Post #322 - March 17, 1944 There Isn’t a Person in this Block that Doesn’t Have His or Her Own Business and Ruthie Certainly Isn’t Wasting Any Time Growing Up!

 

March 17, 1944 

 

Sweetheart, 

Yours of March 8 was the lone piece of mail I received today. What the devil is holding up that mail!! I am going to comment on some parts of your letter.

You asked why I failed to comment on your suggestion for a hat for my fur coat. I covered that little item a long time ago, if you will remember. I told you Gloria gave me a brown off-the-face fur trimmed hat that goes perfectly with my coat and that I had given up the idea of buying a hat this season. Furthermore, I don't have one large piece of fur to make a hat. I only have two small skeins of fur, enough to trim a hat. Hope that takes care of your inquiries. What's the use of my writing these things if you continually overlook them? 

Then you say what do I mean by saying that we need to furnish a house. Well, is that all you think we need to furnish "our” house? Let's start with our bedroom. We need at least a dozen things in that room alone to make it complete, such as electric clock, picture frames, new perfume tray (the one you promised to buy me to replace the broken one) chaise lounge, vanity lamps, lamp shade covers, washable bedspread, radiator covers, miniature radio, etc. Then what about our daughter? Don't you think she'll be entitled to her own bedroom and bedroom set. Don't you want your chest of drawers for your own use? Our rugs are worn (badly) and we'll need new ones. Our entire kitchen needs refurnishing, linoleum, kitchen set (I want to return my mother's set as she has the other piece and it will finish off her kitchen), gas range (our present one isn't so hot) and we could use a refrigerator of late design. We also need a new set of curtains badly and a few good pots and pans. And what about the porch? or doesn't that count? And the bathroom needs a carpet of bright color, a new shower curtain and most of all - a good coat of paint. I've not mentioned the dining room, but I hate the present set and would like 

to have my own set some day, if I have a dining room at all. The kitchen, too, is sorely in need of painting. This house has gotten so dirty and shabby that I doubt whether you would recognize it as far as paints are concerned. Now do I make myself clear? I forgot all about a radio-phonograph combination for the living room, plus all those accessories you mention.

I heard of that $4500 "bonus" but I find it difficult to count on any such predictions. Perhaps it will be so and if it is then I am only too willing to "tie up duplex apartments.” I've also thought a great deal of our going into a business for only in business do you really make money and live accordingly. There is not a person in this block that doesn't have his or her own business.

I forgot to tell you at Al is trying to get Harry into a station on his own or to aid him (Al). Harry is very, very secretive about his finances as well as his plans for the immediate future and all I know is what I happen to overhear. I've often wondered whether you would be interested in pooling with the Nerenbergs in a line of Photography since you do seem to have an interest in it. I remember Jack's once asking us whether we would lend him sufficient money to start anew after he had broken with his partner, saying he would make it up in a short time. Would you? 

Before I forget it - I bought a playpen today. I was cleaning up the porch and happened to come across an ad in the Beacon, the local newspaper, which stated "almost new playpen - $7.50. I called and it was still for sale. The seller lives at 4901 N. Broad St., third floor, above the drugstore at Broad & Rockland. It is exactly like the former one, only in almost new condition. She gave it to me for $5 without å pad. I called a cab (Ruth was with me) and it cost me 50¢ more to get it home. Wonder of wonders Adele stayed in the pen most of the day, although she did cry when we put her in the second time. The first time she admired the new pen and wanted to be put in. Ethel has a pad she’ll lend me and I’ll probably give her the pen after I finish with it this fall. My dad will have to nail an extra board under the floor for extra support as Adele's weight has a sagging tendency on the middle of the floor. The floor is heavy compoboard (spelling???) and has hinges on the sides that permit the floor to be folded against the sides. There goes my $5 birthday gift.

 

That hichair my mother promised me is only 25 years old. It's very old fashioned, but sturdily built. I won't need it for more than three months after Ethel takes hers, so I guess it will have to do. It wouldn't pay to buy a hichair now. We'll buy everything modern and new for the next one, won't we, sweet? We'll have to, or else no dice. 

Just learned that Ben is also on New Guinea. I wonder if he'll meet up with Jack?

 

Goldie's father sent her a $10 check for her birthday. He also had a lovely all leather handbag made up special for her by someone in Poughkeepsie that manufactures handbags. A handbag of that type would cost her about $15 if she would purchase it at retail price here in Philly. 

Snuffy is in the Navy - passed today. He will leave about April 7. Dot and he are going to New York to make the most of their last days together. Just room to send all my love and adoration to my adored Phil. 

Your Eve

March 17, 1944.

My Darling,

This afternoon's mail brough only Dottie's letter of 21 Feb. and I'm getting impatient for word from you. Dottie asked me to answer immediately and since I was loafing anyhow, I was only too glad to oblige.

Today I was even more inactive than yesterday. There is very little to do around the Orderly Room these days, and I was taking advantage of the lull to catch up with my correspondence. In the past three days I have written to Jack S. Jack N., and Dottie. Tomorrow, if I have time, I hope to write to Syd Brown. About 5 March, I wrote to Eddie, asking him to set the date for our next meeting, but as yet I have not heard from him. I think he is finding it difficult to get a pass, but is reluctant to write until he is sure one way or the other. I have already passed up two passes this month and it is just a month since I have been off the Post (except for Purim services in Norwich on the 9th). The monotony of the routine is beginning to pall, and I feel the need of a change of scene. But I don't expect to take a pass ’til 4th or 5th April, unless I hear from Eddie before then. I can't understand why I haven't heard from Jack Gutkin. I wrote to him in the early part of February (twice) fully expecting to hear from him long before this. ((Which reminds me that I must answer Anne Furr’s V-mail.)

She says that her brother-in-law is here in England. Sol is still with Betty, so she must mean Moe Brand. I didn't think they would take him, considering his family status and varicose veins. Is it possible I am mistaken? Or - what?

You implied in a recent letter that Ethel is expecting her baby sometime in March. I was wondering if the newcomer had arrived yet. Have they decided on a name for him? I guess Mom will have to postpone her trip to New York until Ethel is up and about again.

Your Mom must be very busy these days, but then she always is. Nevertheless, I had expected to hear from her before this. Drop her reminder - will you, Sweet? How does your Dad like his new job and how is he progressing? Did the kids receive my letters? I have had no acknowledgement from either them or you. Ruthie certainly isn't wasting any time growing up! I was surprised to hear that she is going out on dates. Does she have a favorite beau yet? Whaddya mean she makes you feel old? A woman is only as old as her man makes her feel. You are still my Chippie and as long as I treat you as such you don't flatter me by admitting you feel old. If either of us has any justification for feeling that way, then certainly I am the one. As to that, I consider that a man is old in direct ratio to his inclination and capacity for loving. According to these tenets, I am not a day older than when I first met you. My passion for you is in no way diminished, my darling, and my capacity for loving you—well, you shall see, you shall see. Anyway, I don't really believe that you meant what you said—you're just looking for sympathy. As long as you are able to do what you do to me—you don't get it from me—you don't need it!

I'll sign off now, Sweet, with the parting wish that the day be not too far distant when I shall be free to hold you close as I was wont to do, and whisper my adoration to your receptive ear, as I would give much to do—again. Kiss my little girl—and tell her that her dad loves her very, very much. Teach her that she is not to treat him as a stranger when he comes home to her, ’cause that would just about break his heart. Love to all from

Phil

 

Post #321 - March 15, 16, 1944 I Had to Call 12 Shoe Stores Before I Hit One That Had Adele’s Size in Stock and I Felt Impelled to Tender What Little Inspiration I Could on the Approaching Occasion of Your 22nd Birthday

 

March 15, 1944

 

Dearest Evvie, 

Just received your typewritten V-mail of 3 March so am replying in kind. Any time you feel like writing V-mail that way, Sweet, I won't complain, 'cause you certainly can squeeze plenty of type into this form. I’m missing your letters of the 1st and 2nd, and hoping they show up tomorrow. You say you gave the “new coat” to the tailor for cleaning and lengthening of the sleeves. Is that the beige top-coat you were thinking of buying - or the new fur coat? It has me puzzled. If it's the former then why the cleaner? If the latter why the tailor and not the furrier? I give up! No I don't! I just got an idea. It must be the beige topcoat. Why the cleaner? Why because the light material showed the marks of being handled in the shop! (Now can I move up to the head of the class, teacher!) 

The minute I saw your V-mail so neatly and cleanly typed I thought, at last the typewriter is fixed! From the look of the type, I would say that you have a new ribbon also. Although the print is tiny, it is very legible. I guess one of the two missing letters will straighten me out on both points. 

When I read that you had procured a whole box of Milky Ways from Ben and were sending it of "tomorrow" I almost yelled for joy. When I receive that particular package, l'll be the envy of the whole darn Army. That, my Sweet, is a prize of the first water. You have a mistaken idea, Ev, if you think that I am a candy-hog. I can understand why you have that impression, but you are overlooking the true reasons behind my constant pleas for candy. First, you must understand that it is well-nigh impossible to get any more sweets here in England then our regular weekly ration, which is usually one (1) chocolate bar of some kind, and a coupla bars of peppermints or some other hard candy. Secondly, you must bear in mind that it is one of the very few things that we have no way of getting in even moderate quantity. Finally, you must take into consideration the fact that it takes almost two months for a package to arrive from the States. Now, do you begin to understand my "unseemly" clamoring after candy - and nothing else? (Lest I forget - Request: Please send the package of candy. ) 

Glad to hear that "Spring, beautiful Spring" has finally come to good ole Philly. How about meeting me on the bench in front of the house at 5 P.M. sharp? I’ll be sitting on the end nearest the porch. Look for me there, will you, Chippie? I'm going to take it for granted it's a date.

 

This morning, having the most of my work cleaned up, I found time to write a real "longie” to brother Jack. Consequently, I feel much better this evening. Tomorrow I'll try to get one off to Jack N., and perhaps Dottie, if I can manage it. 

Glad to hear that the punkin is getting steadier on her pins. The picture of you holding her by the hand and walking in the Spring sun up Sycamore-lined Eighth Street, is a very pretty one. God grant I’ll be able to join you before the sunshine gives way to the gray skies and cold winds of Winter! 

Just noticed you asked a question. You want to know if I learned anything from the “others" about that certain subject! What an idea??!! You should be the best judge of whether or not I needed to learn anything. I hope my answer of a flat NO doesn't disappoint you, Chippie. Now I’ll ask you one. Do you know of any point of said subject that I am ignorant of? Is there, perhaps, an indefinable lack that you have felt at some time? If so, I'll make every effort to learn it from the “others". 

Time to tender all my love to the Chippie who when she learned to love - learned everything.

Always,

Your Phil

March 16, 1944

 

Dearest Mine, 

I did not write yesterday and you will learn why shortly. As I told you in Tuesday's letter, I bought Adele shoes yesterday. I got off to a good start Wednesday morning and was expecting Sarah to accompany me, but she couldn't. I had to call 12 shoe stores before I hit one that had her size in stock and then I ran like hell. 

It was Goldstein's,1004 South St. I went alone and damn near died of exhaustion. My insides still ache. I thought sure I had ruptured myself, even though I made Adele do more walking than she ever did. She practically walked from here to 5th St. with me picking her up at intervals. The ride on the 47 is tiring and since we went up and back with less than a half hour's break it was plain murder. Yesterday and today the weather has been hot - high humidity that has made everyone sweat. She cried half the way back and twisted and turned and the trolley was packed to the doors affording little air. I was getting ill myself. You know what riding on trolley’s does to me. Well, this was no exception, hence my fear of traveling alone with Adele. Baby, I never wished so hard for you to be present! I must have cursed the U.S. Army black and blue. She was waring a 4-1/2 EE and now she's wearing a 5-1/2 D. She had been misfitted the last time and her feet were uncomfortable in the short too wide shoes. The fellow there said that if anyone fitted his kid that way he'd put them in prison. He said EE was for kids that weigh about 50 lbs, and can't stand on their feet. The shoes are good looking white buckskin and cost $3.50. I even called the Walk-Easy shop on Chestnut Street that charges $6 a pair and couldn't get a thing. If I have any trouble whatever with these shoes I shall take her to a foot doctor. By the way, Dot’s Aunt worked at Goldsteins and referred me to the fellow who knew the most about fitting children's shoes. Otherwise I would have gone straight to a doctor. No wonder the poor kid wasn't walking properly and kept falling. These shoes have done wonders already. This fellow told me not to worry about width in a baby's shoe - but length. Always buy them long was his advice. He said he'd rather let me walk out without shoes rather than sell a misfit and lose a customer. 

I fed and bathed Adele, put her in bed, fell across our bed, and slept for a full two hours. When I awoke my sides and stomach were still aching and it was after nine. I had to wash Adele's sleepers, for I hadn't a single change. Then I went right back to bed. Adele only woke once, otherwise I rested most of the night. I dread the next shoe-buying spree already. Do you blame me? 

I'm really getting ahead of myself for I neglected to mention that Ethel and Al stopped over late Tuesday night. They brought the candy we had ordered from Rae and I shall be mailing off another package most any day, when I can catch my breath. Ethel's baby had dropped and Ethel looked smaller than ever. Her wedding band is plain gold with six chips bunched together across the top like mine, only the chips are a bit larger than mine. It's plain and pretty. We talked til almost 12. I returned the things Ethel gave me and gave her a dozen nipples that I had left from Adele. 

This is the third mailless day again and I can't help wondering at the lack of mail. Do you know, baby, that Ed's mail always is five days old! My mother had a letter from him today dated Mar. 11. He said he was hoping to meet you again and asked for two large requests - a wrist watch and a hunting knife like yours. Whatever happened to your letters of Mar 1 2 3 5 and after the 7? Gosh but the lack of mail kills me! C'mon sumpin'! 

Tonight Mom gave each Goldie and I $5 for a birthday gift. I felt terrible about accepting it, but I guess she felt good about the new raise. I hope to get a new dress by adding to it, if I can get something nice. And something else that made me feel I pretty good. My Mom has a gold baby ring for Adele and a gold bracelet with a little diamond chip in it. I never thought of mentioning the want of these two items to my Mom - so there now. She'll get them for me first opportunity and Adele will have some jewelry after all. Goldie brought her gold baby ring home from Poughkeepsie and I tried it on Adele. It fit her third finger perfectly and she admired it no end. She could't pull it off either. My mother also I had a lovely gold Jewish star, but I think Ruth wants that. She has a tiny locket, heart-shaped that I wore, but I bit it in several places and she doesn't have a chain for it. Isn’t funny that I never thought of asking her, yet I knew she had something in baby jewelry. I had written to Gloría to inquire of her brother-in-law (the jeweler who has his own company) and he advised her to advise me not to buy anything in the jewelry line. Even Uncle Nish said so. Gloria received your request, but wrote that she thinks the Post office will no longer accept shipments of chocolate for overseas due to the fact that they melt or spoil before arrival. I haven't heard of anything to that effect and asked Lou to inquire for me. Incidentally, the postage rates on air-mail to a soldier will remain 6¢ and it will be 3¢ for local as well as out-of-town mail. That won't run my postage bill any higher, as I had thought it would previously. I don't know what Gloria plans to do. No doubt she'll send it if it is permissable. How has the chocolate I've sent reached you? 

Harry and Goldie had to pay an income tax of $150 excluding the heavy tax being deducted from Harry's pay. Their combined incomes totaled nearly $4000 last year and they claim they haven't much to show for it. The way they spent money it is no wonder - if it is true. Harry has been having trouble with an arkle and went to the doctor. this evening. Ethel asked us to come over for a cake cutting of her anniversary cake but I couldn't get anyone to stay with Adele. Mom and Goldie went a short while ago. Today is Rae's birthday too. Ethel and Mickey bought her a gorgeous pin and earrings - so I hear. 

Ethel told us Tuesday night that Bob Leiberman is in 4-F on account of his hernia. Lena never said a thing. You know Bob.

 

Phil, when I heard of the differences between Ireland and England and the heavy bombing of London recently I felt funny and wished very much that you hadn't been in London. I know you had a two-day pass coming up and that you said you weren't planning on going anywhere this trip, but if you borrowed you might have been there at the time. Need I tell you of my feelings? 

I'm even leary about dragging Adele up to C(lare). P(ruett). but if it's nice next week I'll put her in the walker and wheel her up. I’m more anxious than ever to get the carriage, but my Dad tells me I'll just have to be patient. They are expecting metal ones any day now. Almost all baby things will be made of metal and will be released any day now. Regular carriages made entirely of metal have already been released. 

Baby, mine, it's getting late and I'm terribly anxious to hit the sack, as you would say. I'm not going though, not until I've told you, just once more, that I love you, Phil, more with the passing of each second and minute and hour. A loving kiss from

Your Eve

March 16, 1944.

Darling Chippie,

Since the “longie” of yesterday, very little has happened to warrant my writing, but since it is my custom to do so whenever possible, whether there is anything to write about or not, I'll cudgel my brain for words enough to fill this page.

This morning I finished up the more important work for the month when I turned in the Officers Pay Vouchers to the Finance Office. After tending a few minor matters, I found some time on my hands, so I decided to write that long overdue letter to Jack N. I filled three of these sheets with closely written script, so I don't think he has any room for complaint as to the length of the letter. This took ’til lunch-time. After lunch I had some more “free” time which was spent composing the enclosed birthday greeting. Most of the afternoon was whiled away in this pursuit. (Do I hear you muttering that I wasted my time?) Maybe I did—but since I am unable to offer a more tangible gift under the circumstances, I felt impelled to tender what little inspiration I could on the approaching occasion of your 22nd birthday. Please be lenient with your criticism of my little effort, Sweet, and allow for the fact that I imposed a severe restriction on my range of expression when I determined the first letter of each line before-hand. If the whole thing seems “off-balance,” it is for the same reason. If the whole thing doesn't make sense, at least remember that my intentions were good, and that I was endeavoring to the best of my limited ability to wish you a very happy birthday.

There was no mail for me today and I'm beginning to count the mail-less days again in anticipation of the next batch. Things are pretty dull around here this evening and I'm beginning to feel lazy and sleepy, so you'll excuse me, I know, if I kiss you good-night at this point—and turn in. Kiss my punkin for me. My love to all.

Yours ever-lovingly,

Phil

Post #320 - March 14, 1944 Adele Took Her First Walk to Ben’s to Get an Ice-Cream Cone and I Never was One to Go Hunting Trouble or Courting Danger

 

March 24, 1944 

DARLING HUBBY, 

No mail from you today, sweet, but I’m sure I'll have no difficulty filling up a page or two. I did get a check for $3.45 from S(harpe) & D(ohme). I had mentioned yesterday that I hadn’t to heard from them for some time, and they disproved my statement. We also had a letter from Harry W. in which he says "I might even be seeing Phil, if you know what I mean" Guess he expects to be moved over to England or sumpin'. 

 

Tomorrow is Ethel's anniversary and Al bought her diamond wedding band. He was going to buy her a diamond ring also, but found prices exceedingly high and decided to wait.

The weather was perfectly perfect today and I was out most of the day with Adele. It was so warm I used the walker outside. l cleaned our room, the living and dining rooms before going out in the morning with Adele. I was out from 11 to 11:45 when I brought her in for lunch. When she was asleep I dragged the ladder up from the cellar and proceeded to wash the ceiling and walls and woodwork of the porch in preparation for spring cleaning. I grew very tired in a short while and called it quits. Adele awoke, had her milk and out we went. Fay came over with her baby and we walked together. She had some film and made two snaps of Adele and me; one, includes her and her baby. Adele saw Goldie (she was sitting on the bench) eating an ice-cream cone and insisted upon having one. Whereupon she took her first walk toe Ben's to get an ice-cream cone (strawberry) and a stick pretzel. She had a grand time stepping up and down the curbs. When she finished we walked up to Ruscomb St. and back. Mikey's mother promised me an extra shoe stamp so I'm going to buy Adele her new shoes tomorrow. I think I'll have to get her the high ones for she needs extra support. Her legs are still a bit chubby and she has very small feet. Most of the kids are wearing 5 and 6. Her present shoes are 4 1/2 and they are big. We stopped over Anne's house and learned a that Richy has the croup. It's always sumpin' with kids. 

Goldie's shoemaker finally located her shoes and she's very happy about the newly found shoes. Harry took in the fights alone last night. He's out today trying to get his income tax properly filed. 

 

By the way, your daughter is anything but lady. She's such a roughneck at times that I wonder if she was meant to be a boy. She tears into the boys and knocks them down (she knocked Mikey flat) and she likes to pinch. She squeals with delight whenever she can grab enough flesh to pinch. She likes to 

pull up a person's dress and get to the flesh just above the stocking to pinch. (Reminds me of someone else, omitting the pinch) She tries very hard to repeat everything I say and makes some mighty good attempts. You can understand a hazy "thank you". She also uses to the words "nanna" for banana or any fruit at the moment.

Mrs. Frommer has an excellent doctor and recommended that Mom go to him for a thorough examination to make sure she is in perfect health. Mom made an appointment last night and went with Goldie. Her blood pressure is a little high and she weighs 169, which the doctor said is much, much too much. He'll put her on a diet and give her some vitamins to build up a resistance against colds and the such. Now that she has some extra money she is going to try to improve her health as much as possible. Maybe he'll be able to do something for her feet, too. Both Mom and Mrs. F. rave no end about him, saying he is a wonderful doctor. He is located at 13th and Wingohocking. 

That is all the "dirt" I can report on today. Don't go way cause I'm not finished yet. Come here, closer, closer ---- and let me kiss you, darling. Um, I liked that! Repeat! Lend me thine ear, baby - Do you recall my saying "I LOVE YOU, PHIL DARLING?" No. Well, here 'tis again, I love you, sweet! 

Your Eve 

P. S. It might make you happy to know that I shall definitely 

take that C.(lare) P.(ruett) picture early next week. I’m "due" this weekend and want to wait til my skin is perfectly clear. I'll try to make it on our anniversary so that I'll have something nice to remember for our "third". 

P.P.S. Adele was out for over two hours and held her water all that time. Boy did she let loose once she could. That ought to give you a pretty good idea of how well she is trained. I'm proud of that accomplishment. 

 

April 14, 1944.

Dearest Darling,

Very sorry I was unable to write these past two days, but circumstances which I am not permitted to indulge prevented my doing so.

In that time I received two packages—the Milky Ways and the candy for the British kids. The Milky Ways are being dealt with (yum! yum!). The other package was turned over to the Red Cross, who will see that it goes to the right source. Some kids are really going to enjoy those ”sweets”—you can be sure. Tell Ruth that I'm very grateful to her for her trouble.

Today brought me two letters from you, my Sweet. 21 Mar. and 25-26 Mar. The former was a “shortie” and the latter (with the snaps enclosed)—a “longie.” Yesterday, I received yours of the 29th. This V-mail is by way of being a hasty expedient, Baby, so I won't be able to answer your letters as I want to until tomorrow. Please understand that this hit-or-miss correspondence is very distasteful to me, Sweet, but that I have no alternative. I'll make it up to you tomorrow, I promise.

And now it is time for lights out. I feel much better that I managed to get off at least these few words. Good-night, my lovely, until tomorrow. A loving kiss for my vain lil punkin. My love to all.

Your adoring Phil

14 March 1944 

Dearest Darling, 

Last night I went to the early show, thinking that I would write when I got back, but when I returned to the barracks I was sleepy and tired and in no mood for writing. Today, tho, I mean to repay you for the loss of yesterday's letter 0.K? Before I go about answering yours of the 21st, I'll dispense with whatever "local news" I am able to call to mind. The picture last night was "Somewhere I'll Find You" with Gable and Lana Turner. It was an "oldie" but since I hadn't seen it, I enjoyed it. I've been reading "A Tree Grows in Brooklyn" these past few days, and just finished it this afternoon. I found it an extremely interesting and well-written novel. There were parts about it that brought back long-forgotten incidents and memories of my own childhood. Most of all - I liked the fine feeling of the writer, and how she imbued every page of her book with it. It is a novel calculated to hit the reader "where he lives". The side-splitting humor you mentioned wasn't nearly that. True, there are passages that bring forth an appreciative chuckle, and "Sissy’s" love life is comical to a degree, but altogether the story has more pathos than humor, as far as I could see. I wonder, Sweet, if Kate reminded you of anyone you know? It may surprise you to learn that I was (and am) amazed at the similarity of character, her way of doing things, handling situations, her very thought processes with those of your mother? I wonder if Kate Nolan brought Anna Paller to your mind as consistently as she did to me? It's almost unthinkable that she didn't, since you know your mother's character so well and the resemblance is so great. I'm glad you are finding time to read occasionally, Baby, cause I know of no better way you could use it. 

Today I was busy with the Officers' Pay Vouchers and some other work, and the bulk of the work (my work) is finished for this month, I am feeling fine, as usual, which is unusual where colds and mild diarrhea are fairly common. I haven't had as much as a headache for half-a-year now, and I can't understand why. (I can just see you squirming, Sweet, as you used to do whenever I marveled at good fortune). Never fear, Honey, I take the best care of myself I know how, and, I might add, I know how! It would be unthinkable for me to hurt anything belonging to you - and that's how I invariably think of myself -- your property. 

The only mail I have received in the past three days, was a V-mail from Anne Furr, and a lovely birthday card from the Cohens, I have not yet found the opportunity to answer Anne's letter (I can hardly make out her scribbling), but I will. Tell Dot not to be too critical of my tardiness in answering her mail, because I would like nothing better than to answer her immediately. I also received a typewritten letter from her a few days ago, which I think I failed to mention. It was in answer to a V-mail I had sent her. I don't know if she told you anything about it (my V-mail), but from the tone of her latest letter, I think she misunderstood the spirit in which it was written. I'd hate to think that this is the case, and I'd appreciate it, Sweet, if you would get in touch with her and ascertain that the "mock severity of my V-mail was understood to be just that. I was feeling "devilish" when I wrote it, and meant exactly the opposite of everything I said. You, no doubt, are used to my idiosyncracies of expression, but I'm not so sure about Dot, and rather than have her get the wrong impression, I'd rather you put her straight. Incidentally, my greatest and constant regret is that I owe letters to almost every one of my correspondents. The hell of it is, I just can't seem to find the necessary free time to correct the situation, which preys on my mind continually. The truth is, I hardly have enough spare time to fulfill my obligation to you in this respect. My mind would be almost entirely free of worry if it were not for the troubling thought that I am "letting down" my dearest friends and relatives, Given a little more time, tho, I will find a way to correspond with them. The delay, I must admit, is extremely distasteful to me. It's not the way I like to do things, and I hate to think of what all those I am neglecting must the thinking of me. So much for the “local news". 

On reading over your nice, long, gossipy letter of the 21st, I find that it is mostly about Adele's illness. The only thing that calls for comment on my part, really, is the information that you bought a $100 bond with the $75 I sent you. As we say in military parlance - "action taken, noted and approved", to which I might add a hearty "but definitely! 

Your letter of the 22nd was short and sweet. It enclosed the "Prayer" which Goldie gave you. I liked it because it expressed without superfluities all the things I hope and pray for constantly when I am thinking of you, my darling, which is just about always, I learned, too, that you are registering with the 

intention of voting. I don't want to prejudice you one way or the other in this respect, but be very sure you let me know in advance how you are voting - and why, Most people are indifferent to the issues at stake, but I am not one of those, and I don't want you to be. I usually have pretty definite ideas about the best way to vote, and while I wouldn't want to foist them on you, at least let me exercise my prerogative as a husband to the extent of informing you as to my feelings and my convictions about the candidate, party, or issue at stake. Trust me not to hold it against you if you disagree with my views. That is your prerogative. 

The letter of the 26th-27th contained Lee Nerenberg's very sweet letter. She is a remarkable kid (if one may call a married woman that). There's a world of wisdom and goodness in that diminutive little head of hers. I hope Lenny appreciates her. The next few pages are crammed with miscellaneous items such as your father’s new job, Ruthie's first date, etc. Then, near the end, your plea. that I refrain from visiting London until things "quiet down". I wish, Sweet, that I could discuss this subject at some length, but censorship would not permit. Rest assured, tho, that I'll accede to your wishes in this matter. It is quite a while now since you wrote the letter I am referring to, and since then there has been little, if any, enemy air activity over London. It is almost a month since I have been to the "big town" and I certainly do miss it. I plan to go about the 17th, unless the air raids are resumed. Believe me, Sweet, it's not nearly as bad as the radios and papers make out. As for the neighbors "advising you to advise" me - it's silly. Next time someone speaks to you in this vein, you might point out that I know, much better than they could possibly know, what goes on in London, and just how great is the danger entailed in going there. You know better than anyone that my "design for living” doesn't include being "liquidated by a bomb. Moreover, I never was one to go hunting trouble or courting danger, and I haven't changed. So if you receive a "London letter” within the next week or so, put your fears at rest and think nothing of it. 

Your last paragraph in this letter tickled me. After writing five full pages you confess "I'm not in a letter-writing mood"! How many pages would there have been if you were in the mood? 

Your letter dated 28th Feb. is a real "longie", is bright and cheerful, and generally a delight to read. It starts off with a running commentary on my last "London" letter (when I met Eddie), goes on to describe what the punkin looks like now, her latest acquisitions of knowledge, the latest additions to her vocabulary, etc. You say it "kills" you that I can't see "my dream come true". You underestimate both my own powers of imagination and visualization and entirely overlook your own talent for describing things in general and the punkin in particular. I assure you, Chippie, I “see" "my dream come true" very clearly, thanks to you, so in the future don't feel too badly on my account. 

That list of names that H(arry) & G(oldie) are considering for the newcomer is mighty attractive. I particularly like their selection of "Jay" for a middle name. So much, in fact, does the appellation appeal to me, that regardless of the first name they decide on, I shall call him Jay. 

The increase in the amount of money that you will be called on to contribute to the household is regrettable, since it cuts sharply into the amount you might have saved, but I'm sure you appreciate the necessity for so doing, and I'm more grateful than you know, Baby, that you are so understanding as to give it cheerfully. 

A few days before I received this letter, I sent one reminding you that last March we were both in Columbus. I went into detail, or rather, I touched on the highlights of those blissful two weeks. I should have trusted you to remember that happy occasion, darling, for sure enough, you recall it in the very last paragraph of this letter. Thanks for the 29 kisses, Ev, darling - I intend to return them many times over some day. 

The last (and latest) of your letters is dated 29th Feb, and is four pages of miscellany that do not require comment. Except that very naughty last line. I often have cause to marvel at the insight, intuition, instinct, or call it what you will, that tells you so infallibly what to say to endear you even more to my already overflowing heart. That "naughty” line is just another instance of what I mean. When I read it, and the following “Wow, who said that?", and the P, S. *I'm . b-a-a-d girl", it had just the effect you meant it to have - you adorable vixen. Could I have gotten my hands on you at that moment, I would have eaten you alive - and if your skeptical about that just try me sometimes when I can get at you. 

I neglected to tell you that I am C.Q. tonight (hence this typewritten "longie"). At the moment I am missing you so very much, that the pain is almost physical. I adore you, my own Chippie, and would give anything in the world at this moment to be able to convey in person the full extent and meaning of that adoration, which is so great a part of me, that some times I think there would be nothing left of “your Phil" if it were subtracted. Right now you are, in all probability, in the midst of eating supper (about 3000 miles from here). Would it surprise you, then, to know that you are, at the same time, right here in the loving arms of your Phil? 

P.S. A loving kiss to my punkin. My love to all.