Post #370 - May 19, 1944 Gloria had a Glamour Portrait Made and You Aren’t the Only One Whose Sleep is Interrupted

 

May 19, 1944 

Dearest Mine, 

I worked a full day for Miss Hahn, my second full day this week. She is experiencing difficulty in securing another girl and is very anxious about it. She asked if I wouldn't kindly come in next Thursday and perhaps for a few hours on Tuesday, if it is at all possible. I didn't promise I would. I said I would if my mother could find the time to care for Adele. 

In the meantime, the mailman brought your two bonds (Mar. and Apr.) and a nice long letter from Eddie. I think it takes about three weeks (the same amount of time that it takes for a check to arrive) for the bond to get here. I'll be able to judge with the next bond. Sweet, how many bonds do you think I'll receive before I receive you? Still think you'll see me in ’44? I know you won't, but I sincerely hope I'm wrong. 

Gloria arrived early - alone. The plans for the trip to Washington fell through. Phil, Gloria had a glamour portrait made by Lorstan (a N.Y. photographer), an oil painting, and, Phil, you just ought to see that picture! First of all, they glamourized her - but good. She looks very much like Brenda Marshall. The picture is, in a word, gorgeous and far surpasses anything I've seen by Clair Pruett. Frankly, baby, I'm not so stuck on Pruett's work. He does nice work, but I've seen better, much better. If he (Lorstan) could make me look that good I'd be a more than willing customer. Gloria is wearing a white blouse with a large ruffled collar and a lovely pin at the deep v-neck, and a pair of white earrings. Her hair is styled unusually high in a pompadour effect, her ears showing, and the back of her hair is curled into a most becoming pageboy. She is leaning back slightly, looking upward, serious expression. Of course he put on false eyelashes, but it isn't that so much as the lovely coloring of the picture that makes for such attractiveness. Her picture, standing beside those made by Clair Pruett, makes our pictures look faded. Naturally, oil painting isn't a little coloring, so I shouldn't really make comparisons. Nevertheless, I would like you to see Glo’s picture. It's an 8 x 10, the total cost of which was but $3.50. It was an advertising stunt and would cost approximately $5 regular. Someday we must visit Lorstan. 

Gloria bought Mom a pinafore and a housecoat for Mother's Day. The pinafore fitted nicely, but the housecoat was too small and will have to be exchanged. Gloria also brought along something for Stuart and we hope to pay Ethel a visit tomorrow. Stuart has been running a temperature all week and seems to have a good case of the grippe. It's unusual in one so young and has had Ethel on the go continually, leaving her worn and weary. Al can't stand to see her take it on the lam so much. I can just imagine how you would feel if you could see me some days. Adele, bless her little heart is work - real hard work. Parents pay a frightfully high price for the love of children, but it is worth it in the end - or so let us hope. Some have been disillusioned. I don't think we will be. So long for now, my darling, and now that we can stretch out in bed, would you mind moving a little closer to your 

Adoring 
Eve 

19 May 1944 

My Sweet Evvie, 

Last night, as you probably know from Mom’s letter, I was CQ. I took advantage of the opportunity to write that letter to Mom, which I have delayed so long. It was 11:30 before I finished and hit the sack immediately. My sleep was twice interrupted during the night. The first time the phone bell rang, it was one of our lieutenants calling from a nearby town to leave a message. This was about 12:30. At 2 o'clock. the insistent ringing of the phone bell roused me again. This time it was the motor pool dispatcher reporting a wreck, so I had to get Sgt. Yahner out of bed, too. After that I wasn't disturbed—’til 4:30, when the operator gave me a ring. It was now time to wake the K.P.’s. Before turning in again, I left word with the operator to give me a ring at 6. At that time I woke the company—switched on all the lights in the huts, and—still more sleepy than hungry, decided to pass up breakfast, which I never eat anyway, in favor of grabbing another snooze. So I crawled between the blankets once more—this time fully clothed. At eight o'clock Sgt. Murphy woke me. So you see, Chippie, you aren't the only one whose sleep is interrupted. Fortunately, I only catch CQ every tenth day or so. 

There was very little to do in the Orderly Room today, luckily. I say “luckily” ’cause I didn't feel much like working, anyway—I was still sleepy. 

This evening I saw “Song of Bernadette” at the Base Theater. It is a very moving story and a most absorbing picture. Jennifer Jones, in my estimation, is a most talented actress. The picture is of two-and-a-half hours duration, but contrary to what the critics say of it, I didn't feel that it dragged at any point. 

When I returned from the movie, I proceeded to get shaved and cleaned up generally—something I couldn't find time for all day. 

For the past two days now, I haven't had mail from you, Sweet. Yesterday, there was a letter from Limey. He had written it on the 10th and made the date for the 13th. I received it on the 18th. I don't know how he figured—unless he didn't know that three days is much too short a time to expect the letter to reach me. But I don't expect to be able to meet him in any case, much as I'd like to. He named Nottingham as the meeting place, and I would find it extremely difficult to get there on a twenty-four hour pass. I'll see if we can’t make some other arrangements. 

Well, darling, it is just 11 o'clock—I love you, Baby—you're so sweet—. My love to the punkin and all the folks. 

Lovingly,
Your Phil

Post #369 - May 17, 18, 1944 I’d Like to Write a Little About Adele and I Would Very Much Like You to Take My Mom, and Your Mom and Dad, Out for an Evening of Fun

 

17 May 1944

Dearest Darling,

Yesterday afternoon, just after I finished your letter, the mail came in. There were three packages and your V-mail of 8 May. The packages were two of yours, and one of Gloria’s. Altogether, there was a box of plain Hershey's, and a box of Peanut Chews and Hershey Almonds (one package); while Gloria’s contribution consisted of two boxes of Loft’s chocolates. Needless to say, I was delighted with both the quality and the quantity of the sweets. I reckon I'll have enough to last me a month or more. The fact that the other boys in the hut share the candy with me to detracts not one whit from the appreciation and gratitude I feel for your magnanimity. If you could see for yourself, Sweet, how much the guys enjoy the candy, I'm sure you would consider your money and efforts well rewarded. Your packages were only slightly “beat up” due to insufficient packing, but the contents were not damaged in any way. Gloria's package, wrapped at the shop, evidently, and reinforced with corrugated board, arrived in perfect condition. Thanks, Sweet, for the sweets.

In the evening, I was just settling down to write my second letter of the day (on account of the packages, your V-mail, etc.), when one of the fellows from the next hut stuck his head in to ask if I felt like playing some poker. Well, you know the answer to that one, Chippie. Still, if I hadn't already written that day, I think I would have declined. As it turned out, I would have been some $9 poorer had I persisted in the notion of writing instead of playing. At the time, I am a little to the good, and I thought it would be a good idea if I sent along some of my winnings before I lose it or spend it. I'm enclosing two $5.00 bills, which I obtained from two guys who happened to have them. They are yours to do with as you like, but I have a suggestion to make as to their disposal. I would very much like you to take my Mom and your Mom and Dad, out for an evening of fun. Pick out a good play or movie in town, and after the show, take them to Kugler's or some other good restaurant for a meal. If you could find a coupla extra bucks, I'd prefer that you use taxis for transportation. The best evening might be spoiled for them by the drudgery of subways and walking. If you decide on a movie, there should be enough for the taxis, but if you get seats for a show, there probably won't be. I think they would prefer the latter course, Sweet, but you can work that out among yourselves. I'm sure Ruth would stay with the punkin if you explained the circumstances to her. It would be a great source of satisfaction to me, Baby, if you could manage it. Please try. Of course, as I said before, I'm not attaching any conditions to the money—I'm merely suggesting how I would like to see it spent. There may be factors involved with which I am ignorant that would make the idea impracticable, in which case I'm sure you will have no difficulty in finding a place for the money. But I am equally confident that you will allow my suggestions to influence you—n’est ce pâs?

This morning at Sgt. Murphy's suggestion, I made a trip to the General Hospital (via ambulance) to see how a couple of our boys are coming along, and to take his pay to one of them. It took us about fifty minutes each way. I wish, Ev, that you could see for yourself the completeness of the facilities that are embodied in these hospitals for our Yanks. The care and treatment the G.I.’s get here is of the very best, and in contemplating the vastness of grounds and buildings and personnel, one cannot help but feel proud of the munificence and far-sightedness of the Americans. The two fellows I went to see are doing nicely and we expect to see them back with us soon. I was there from 11 A.M. ’til 4 P.M. when we started back. When I got back to my hut, it was a little before 5 o'clock—and the first things that caught my eye were two letters lying on my bunk. They proved to be your long “longie” of the 6th, and your V-mail of the 9th. You can be sure I wasted no time reading them. It is too late now to think of answering them, but I will do so tomorrow.

It's just 11 o'clock, Baby, and I'll give you just one guess as to where and what my thoughts are at this instant—Aw—somebody must have told you!

I'll say my usual “good-night my darling” with the sure knowledge that no matter how I say it, or regardless of flourishes or embellishments, the simple and unalterable fact is—I adore you. A great big hug and kiss for my very own daughter, the inimitable and precocious punkin. My love to all.

Ever

Your Phil

May 18, 1944

My Beloved, 

Your letter of May 13 arrived this morning and it was beautifully written. In it you express my feelings to a "T", though I doubt if I would be capable of expressing myself so ably. 

As I write this I interrupt every so often to gaze once again upon the two colored pictures of myself and Adele. Yes, sweet, I got them this afternoon and they are lovely; both of them. I bought a natural color imitation leather frame (double) for 75¢. The other two pictures of Adele didn't turn out so well, as you will note when you receive them. I am going to hold on to the pictures til Monday, at which time I shall mail them off along with a package of candy. I can't get over how well my picture turned out. Did you know, sweet, that I have à suggestion of a clef in my chin? I don't think my smile is natural enough, but it will have to do. I wish, very much, that he had fixed the collar of my blouse - it annoys me.

I’d like to write a little about Adele this evening. She calls soup "up" and says the first letter of every word; for instance: Please would be "pa", dear is "dah i.e. and she now says daddy and mommy. She's learning the “ee" sound. She always fights with Betty and "dodo". When she hears their voices or sees them she goes "ah" (in short, forced breath) (sort of gives them an argument, if’n you know what I mean). She had begun a practice of wetting (not to mention the other) her panties, which practice displeased me no end. She got a real good licking for it yesterday. She also used the word "sis" to be picked up, etc. and made a regular joke of it. After yesterday's licking she changed her mind and decided it was easier to be a good girl. Once, she said sis and hurriedly followed it up with "naw, naw, naw!" When she yells sis I immediately ask her if she has to go. When she nods her head I dash her to the pot or the toddy, whatever the case may be. If I chance to be talking to someone else about her she listens intently and knows exactly what I am saying. Phil, you'll find it hard to believe, but our kid understands everything. She knows how to pull tricks and tries to get away with everything. Whenever I'm mad she looks at me from the corner of her eyes and throws me that wistful look (Aw, mommy - you know!) She looks at the toaster in the morning and points to our reflections. She knows the owner of each piece of belonging around here. The other day I slipped Goldie's (Thought I'd bring it over) apron on and she kept yelling, "dodo", "dodo"! In the morning, after she wakes me up, she puts the palm of her hand to her head and says, "momma, ah aah aah a!" (meaning that she wants to lie down, beside me in our bed.) (Same thing happens before she goes to bed in the evening). When she is shocked she puts the palm of her hand to her chest, draws her breath in and says a long drawn out "u-ah"! 

The bookkeeper in my father's place is quitting (She gets $41 per) and he would like to know if I'm interested. I don't rightly know. I'm fairly sure I’d make a good bookkeeper and it does pay high wages. Only time will tell. Mass Hahn also asked me if I’d like to work for her steady as her other girl is leaving for camp and she needs someone daily. I declined her offer, preferring to make a good salary if I return to work. I'm working for her tomorrow for she is without help at present.

I did quite a bit of work today. I house-cleaned, our room. I washed the windows, blinds, wood-work, floor. I dusted, swept the rug, moved the furniture and camphored away most of the woolens. I washed silk things and my mother (who happened to be washing at the time) washed the bulk of my clothes (there was a yardful) in the washing machine. I dusted and swept the rugs downstairs, washed the steps and so forth. When Adele woke from her nap I walked up to C.P. with her to pick up the pictures. When I got back I took down my clothes and gave her dinner. That just about brings me up-to-date.

I might add that Ruth and I had only an hour in town last night, which gave us very little time to accomplish anything. The red play shoes I bought are ration-free, made of all sorts of composition and I doubt if they will last the summer. I've been thinking of buying ankle-strap shoes for dress, but I don’t want to buy them unless you like them cause I'd buy a good pair, a pair that would have to last through two or three seasons. I like them very much, though I doubt whether they are good for my feet. I'm on my feet much too much and my feet might spread from lack of support. Of course they'd only be for dress, but even then I feel the need of more support these days. First I'm going to get, a pair of sport shoes, most likely brown, that I can wear all year round. I’ll try to have a snap made of me in the red shoes, for your approval. 

 

Tomorrow night we're going to have company. Anne and Sammy, Freda and Morris and Gloria are going to stop over enroute to Washington. Gloria, Freda and Morris will spend Friday night here, while Sam, Anne and the baby will stay at Lizzie’s. They'll go to Washington Saturday morning.  

I'll have to throw out mom's bouquet tomorrow as it too is dead. Hers outlasted mine three days. 

(NOTE: My dad corrected me. The secretary, not the bookkeeper is quitting. She was receiving $28. Thought it sounded too good to be true. Oh weli! - ) 

Gosh, honey, I'm in the mood for cuddling up close to you and makin’ love! Yep, perhaps we’d better meet in bed, instead of on the easy chair (it's not so "easy" that way - is it?),(Ba a d girl - ain't I?) (Full of questions this evening). (May is fast departing and it's just a matter of days before the (latest Strongin puts in an appearance.) Gee but it, would be swell to have you in bed with me! Just 

think - every time Adele woke us up we’d "tear off a coupon" (remember that one?) (I can't help wondering if you'd "wake" at all). Don't worry, sweet, I'd get you "up” some way or other - didn't I always? At this point I'm practically sleeping on the typewriter, so I know, sweetness, that you'll forgive me if I sign off with oceans of love from 

 

Your Eve

18 May 1944

Ev, darling,

Having very little else to do this morning, I thought I would use the time to good advantage by answering those letters I mentioned yesterday. (Hope I don't get stuck on a single controversial paragraph of yours as I've been doing too often here of late.)

Your “twelve-pager” of 6 May was just crammed full of “small talk,” but it is just as welcome as anything else you might choose to write.

Wish I could see the way your hair looks now that you have discovered what I always contended, that leaving it “unset” after washing, and by patient combing and brushing, it would assume the desired effect. I have no objections to your going to the beauty parlor, Sweet, but if you shorten your hair by even so much as an inch, I'll give you the same dose you hand down to Adele when she’s bad—so help me! Why don't you just let the gal at the beauty parlor cut your hair to even the ends, and give it the same treatment that brought such satisfactory results. As for that “feather-bob” business—it's silly to even consider it. Anybody, who knows what he's talking about, will tell you that you are not the type that would look well with your hair set in that fashion. Neither, for that matter, is Goldie. Gloria, on the other hand, might just possibly be benefited by such a hairdo, since she is round of face and small of stature. But enough of this—.

The pictures you ordered of C.P. (Clair Pruett) are entirely satisfactory, Baby, and I look most eagerly to their arrival. Hope you think to enclose those you are sending me in a double frame!

I didn't mention my “finances,” as you so flatteringly refer to my few pounds, on the 1st of May for the simple reason that they were in a state of flux, and I had no way of knowing the outcome. For that matter, my “finances” are as changeable as the weather (which is a singularly apt simile, if you consider that it's English weather.) Just to illustrate: On the 1st May, I was £4 in debt. By the evening of the 2nd I had cleared my debt and was £4 in the clear. Since then I have had anywhere from 0 to £7 in my wallet. At the moment, I am £4 to the good, but if I play cards tonight and run into some bad luck, I'm likely to be broke by tomorrow morning. This constant fluctuation of my “finances” was the reason for my making that allotment for a bond each month. Whatever happens, I will at least have saved that. When you consider that that 18.75 is about 40% of my total pay each month, you mustn't be too critical of how I choose to dispose of the remainder.

To satisfy your curiosity about prices at the Snack Bar: Sandwiches, (Peanut Butter, cheese, jam, spam)—2£, (3-1/2¢)—coffee, tea, cake—3£ (5¢). Sometimes, as last night, everything is “on the house” and one can stuff himself to his belly's capacity for a total cost of—0.

Glad you take the long-range, or pessimistic view of the eventual state of our re-union, Chippie—it's much easier on the patience that way. Don't ask me again what or how I feel about it. So many factors have to be considered that it could be two or three years just as easily as that many months. The “duration” depends largely on whether or not Japan will continue to fight once Germany is beaten. Then, we don't know whether or not we will be called on to fight in that theater, once the European phase is over. Beside all this, we have no inkling of how long demobilization will take, nor on what basis it will be carried out. So—while I have pretty definite ideas on how much longer we will be at war, I'm just as uncertain as to the time it will take before I will be free to return to you—once and for all. However long the prospect seems, darling, keep in mind that there isn't a thing that we, as individuals, can do to shorten it. Therefore, it would be folly for us to start “chafing at the bit” at this stage of the game. Keep a calm and patient frame of mind, Chippie, and try to stop thinking and wondering at the length of the “duration.” Do not take it from this that my outlook and attitude is undergoing any radical change—it hasn't—it's just that I simply refuse to be discouraged, however obscure our chances for early reunion may appear.

That lemon yellow number that you described sounds like a real cutie. Wear it well, Chippie.

Your description of Adele's reaction to the tissue-paper she found in the dress store was most amusing. But how come? Don’t tell me she has already learned to look after herself to that extent?? Her liking for the bath and the talcum, and the fact that she readily obeys your commands when they are pleasing to her (such as bending over to be powdered), and rebels when told to do something not to her liking (going upstairs to bed), proves that she is not only willful, but intelligent enough to know and indicate her likes and dislikes and that she is every inch the woman (if’n you know what I mean—). The acumen she is displaying in a hundred different ways these days, speaks very well for her development. I'm very proud of her, darling and equally proud of the wonderful job you are doing in raising her. Unlike you, I don't feel that my paternal influence would have helped her to any great extent. What my absence has meant to both of us, of course, is another matter, but I really don't think Adele's lack of daddy's attention has retarded her favorable development in any way. Nothing in your V-mail of the 8th requires any comment. Most of it is devoted to Adele's latest activities, and consequently makes most edifying reading.

In your V-mail of the 9th, you indicate that you are well-pleased with the plans of the house I sent you. If you would prefer, as you indicate, that I say I will build it for you someday, then O.K. I'll say it. However, I should think you would be more concerned with my earnest intentions rather than the way I “sound.” I hate to make promises that I have no way of telling I will be able to keep. It is pointless, I think, for you to pin me down to “I will,” but if you prefer a pointless phrase to a sincerely stated intent to “try,” well—you've had it—and I do mean you've had it!

Your naive opinion that Harry's new job is “war-work” (even indirect) doesn't in any way alter the fact that Harry is for Harry—and to hell with the war. I'm sure, if he had any conscience on this score, he could find any number of jobs that would lend immeasurably more aid to the war effort and more credit to himself than accrues to him in his present task of delivering bread to civilians. If he had any regard for the war effort, he wouldn't have thrown up his job at the Signal Corps. Why he can't get an equally remunerative job in a defense plant, is beyond me. Surely, there's still plenty of demand for 4F’s with his qualifications. You would have a tough time, Chippie, trying to justify his outlook and actions in my eyes, so don't try it.

This brings me to the end of this particular letter, Sweet, and since it is time to go to lunch, I'll take my leave after I say once again that I love you. Best love to the punkin—long may she wave—and all the folks.

More than ever—

Your Phil

Post #368 - May 16, 1944 In the Three Years of Our Marriage You Were With Me Only One and I Can’t Even Imagine that It Might Be Diana Jean

 

May 16, 1944 

Dearest Sweetheart,

Here are those two snaps I told you about. What do you think? I worked eight hours for Miss Hahn today, instead of Thursday as we had planned. 

A copy of the cablegram and your letter of May 11, discussing contentment and the better things of life, was in the mail this morning. I agree with you to a great extent, but there are quite a few points I'd like to make. You say you won't try to make more money unless you can't manage on what you shall be earning. Do you think I would have allowed you to stay at S & D if we could not manage? Not on your life! We were able to manage then, but since then I've learned an awful lot, which, I am sorry to say, you haven't. In the three years of our marriage you were with me for only one and during that time, dearest, you made close to $50 per week, while working overtime and we had no trouble whatever where money was concerned. When I set that $60 figure I knew what I was talking about. Don't worry, sweet, I have no visions of getting rich, I just want to be comfortable. Do you remember what life was like when you were in the Infantry? Well, raising kids, keeping a house and doing all the housework yourself, working from early morning to the wee hours of night, feeling so tired you have to push yourself around to keep going and little recreation don't make for peace and contentment either. 

 

Phil, you committed yourself to fatherhood, you accepted a wife - and a home, all of which depend on you and expect a great deal of you, regardless of the sacrifice. You wanted me to set a different goal for you - that you be content with me and Adele, to cherish us, to be always kind, cheerful and considerate, no matter what and to provide for us to the best of your ability. I notice that you didn't forget the "providing", for you do realize just how important it really is. Perhaps I shouldn't have said exactly $60, but I do know that it will take that much to provide for us decently, once we are reorganized. I don't give a hang if you remain a clerk at S & D for the rest of your life, as long as you provide for your family so that they may be comfortable. Good enough? 

My dad has the same philosophy, and if it hadn't been for my mother our family would have been out in the street many times. If my mother hadn't gotten him out of his job at Parkway he'd still be killing himself there. It did require ambition and it would make his life easier not slaving away every night. In a way he too had ambition to stick to it so long. Yet, I've found very few people with a decent income (to allow for same saving and a few pleasures beside a comfortable home, good food and nice clothes) who are not satisfied. Those four things make for a good living, if the persons concerned appreciate them for what they are. I know we do. You've never heard a complaint from me when such was the case and you know it. You were never happy when I kept tabs on our income down to the last cent. Neither was I. When the time comes let us be sure that it won't happen again. I'll be happy and content feeling that way and if you are interested in my peace and contentment you will understand why I feel thusly. I don’t mean to set any goals for you or even to tell you what to do (I know better) but that's the way I feel and I know you will do your best to keep me feeling happy. I promise not to mention the subject again, til we can talk about it. 

Sorry, sweet, that I had to "sermon" but let's forget about it, until we must do something about it, as you say. The mark below was made by Adele. I have the typewriter on the dining room table and every once in a while she stops to type. She reaches upon under the cover and gives one bang, bunching up all the keys. 

May 17, 1944 

I was terribly sleepy, so much so that I simply had to let this go and hit the hay. Adele had me up all night long the previous night and my eyes would not stay open. She cut through her 11 and 12th teeth and has four more to go to complete the set. Then come the two-year molars, the four upper and lower teeth in the very back of the mouth, I'm "due" this weekend and am feeling it already. 

I cleaned the living room set, put camphor in it and put the covers back on this morning. I still have to camphor all the winter clothes. My bouquet had to be thrown out this morning, but Mom's is still nice. 

Your long typewritten letter of the 12th came today and made most interesting reading. My Mom has asked me to apologize for not writing to you on several occasions and will her write soon. Anne Furr’s address is 1640 University Ave, Bronx, N.Y. I’ll tell my Dad to write, too. Then you go on to say how "these balmy Spring days inspire many, many thoughts of "home", Evvie" and do I have any good ideas. I shore nuff do, honey - come on right home and I'll show you. Nine and a half months is a long time! 

Last night there was a report on the radio that every single U.S. soldier, sailor, etc. had been checked for identity during the day. Eisenhower, doesn't want any "spy" trouble, they explained. 

Ruth wants me to go in town with her this evening and I think I shall. She wants to buy a cotton dress and I'd like very much to get myself a pair of shoes, If Adele will be a good girl and go to bed early I’ll appreciate it. When I say it's time to go to sleep - she says, "naw, naw, naw" She hates to go to sleep, so she doesn't take after you in that respect. 

Delayed this long enough to make a trip into town. We didn't leave til almost 7:30 and consequently had little time to shop. Ruth was unable to find a dress during that time, but I bought a pair of bright red linen baby doll (with the ankle strap) play shoes for $2.29. Think you'd like my legs in an ankle strap, sweet?" I almost bought a lovely two piece red and white striped dress, but it was too late to bother trying it on. 

I'm kind of weary rushing about and so I'll close now, dearest, with all my love and devotion and a big hug and kiss. 

Your Eve

16 May 1944

Dearest Chippie,

The reason I have not written on the 14th or 15th is enclosed. Hope it repays you in some measure for the two missing letters. Don't be too critical of the names of shows, concerts, et cetera, as it is really a blend of all my visits to London. Do not feel slighted either, that it is addressed to Phil. He seemed interested, in his most recent letter, in knowing something about what I have learned or seen these past months in England. I thought the enclosed letter would, in some measure, repay him for his kindnesses to you and Adele. I'm sending it in your care, Sweet, ’cause there may be some items of interest for you that I may have overlooked in my London letters to you. On the whole, I think you will find it a more detailed account than I could permit myself heretofore. Tell Phil that I ended it rather abruptly 'cause I wanted it to make the next post.

Nothing of any note has transpired these past few days. Yesterday was my day off and I took advantage of the break by “sleeping in” ’til 11 o'clock; showering and shaving after lunch; leafing through a few recently arrived magazines; and completing Phil's letter. In the evening, being most reluctant to continue writing, I decided to “keep” this until this morning. Instead, I sat in for a session of poker with the boys. The game broke up just in time to allow me to keep our date. When I took inventory, I found I was six bucks in the good, which didn't make me mad either.

The only mail I have received from you in the past three days, Sweet, is your V-mail of 7 May, which arrived yesterday afternoon. You indicate that you wrote a “longie” on the 6th, and I'm looking forward to receiving it. I'm looking forward, too, to Ruth's letter containing the snapshots.

I think, Baby, that the idea of taking in typing to be done at home is the happiest you've had to date. Why not insert an ad in the paper? It might pay dividends. It would please me mightily if you could develop this source of incoming to a degree where going out to work would hold no attraction or benefit for you.

Glad to hear that Jackie is fully recovered from his illness.

Any day now I'm expecting to hear of Dennis Jay's arrival. I can't even imagine that it might be Diana Jean.

The best news I've had for a long time is Adele's growing tendency to sleep through the night. The thought that your sleep was interrupted so often, and so consistently, was most distressing for me. In your letters, you conveyed very clearly how aggravating it was for you, Chippie. I earnestly hope she gives you no further trouble on this score.

I'll close now with all my love to the dearest Chippies in the world, and to Mom, whose letter I'll write any day now, and to Harry and Goldie, and to all the Pallers, and to all our good friends and neighbors.

Devotedly,

Your Phil

Post #367 - May 15, 1944 I Gather You are Nearer to London and A Letter from Gloria Strongin

 

May 15, 1944.

My Sweet,

Your “longie” typewritten letter of May 9 came this morning with a large portion and then apparently one word cut away, I gather you are nearer to London, being able to go there for 24 hours once a week. You certainly made the most of the 24 hours, and I don't blame you. I don't understand about the longevity pay. You aren't actually in the army three years, regardless of when you were inducted. I guess they figured the years instead of the actual time, huh? Yes, it is wonderful! ]

Adele is cutting her two bottom molars, one on each side, and I think they came through this morning. She won't let me put my fingers in her mouth and I'm afraid to put them there 'cause I've been bitten several times. Once she got excited about something while she was standing near me and bit the upper part of my leg, til blood came. That makes 12 teeth and all. Doctor Gayl was in the neighborhood this morning and stopped to talk with me (I was sweeping the pavement). I told him about Adele's feet (being pigeon-toed - on the right foot) and he said it is nothing at all and not to worry about it as she will outgrow it. He wants me to bring her down for scarlet fever injections and I'm sort of leary about. I think there are about six injections in all. They are given every five to seven days and 99% of all the children get very ill from them. I hate to start now since it is so hot, and if she did become ill I would have to keep her in the crib and it is positively stifling in our room at times. I don't know what to do, but, undoubtedly, I'll wind up giving her the injections. Her sleeping is vastly improved and she usually doesn't disturb me more than once twice, or possibly three times during the night.

The flowers continue to look good. I cut the stems, changed the water and put a little salt in the water in the hope that they will last for the rest of the week. Again, sweet, I must say thanks - so much.

My brother became a Cpl. (We have a lot of Cpls, don't you think?) It seems to me they are passing out ratings left and right, or so it seems. T

Fay gave me the two snaps we took along time ago and I'll mail them off tomorrow. Mom spent last night at Ethel's and is coming home this evening. She wants to see the snaps before I send them off. Fay, Morris and son left for S. Carolina this afternoon. Anne called home and is spending another week with Tony. Jean Levin is in the army (as far as I can learn) and is stationed at Ft. Meade. Everyone is scattered far and wide. What a life - phooey!!

Goldie had a nice letter from Jack S. today. In it he pictures the family once united and he says “Phil be sitting beside Ev and eating widdle Adele's ice cream cone.” Boy, does she know you! Room to say I'm keeping “our date” faithfully and I love you, my darling. Adele repeats: I love you, too, Daddy. A kiss on one cheek from Adele and a kiss on the other from

Your Eve

MRS. JACK STRONGIN

BRONX 60, NEW YORK

2006 Honeywell Avenue 

Monday, May 15, 1944 

Hello Phil, 

Here are the snaps of the kid brother and my husband - isn't he (almost said "aren't they") cute? Had them enlarged for you - the same exuberant Jack (as you say) with an emphatic stress on the clean side of life, eh what? 

Really waited for definite news from my girlfriend re those Hershey bars I hope to send you. Don't know where Ev got the idea that I have them on hand. I wish I did, but I was only promised a priority on the first box of them that her concern (a wholesale drug house) receives. Checking on this vital question, I am assured that my friend has me in mind, and also expects a shipment shortly. Such is the sad, but hope-inspiring news on this subject, to date. 

Also checked with Service Men's Service, re Post War Education Plan for Veterans. The Bill of Rights for Service Men (of which the educational feature is part) has passed Senate and is now being debated on in the House of Representatives. Will let you know as soon as I know the outcome of this wrangling. 

Saw The Genshafts the other day. Carl is in North Africa I hear and expects to go into action.

I called Philly yesterday - to convey a personal Mother's Day greeting to the Mothers of the house. Spoke to Ev and Mom and both were thrilled by the flowers you had sent -- and a lovely gesture it was, Phil. I had planned to be in Philly this week-end, but had a cold and wanted to get rid of this first. 

At any rate, I hope to see the folks next week-end. Anne and Sammy Nerenberg, another sister of mine, her husband and I are planning to go to Washington, and, of course, we’ll stop off in Philly. If this plan falls through (as the well laid plans of mice and men often do) I will make Philly my first and last stop for the week-end. Am looking forward to seeing the folks. Your punkin' grows by leaps and bounds, and every time I see her she is both bigger and cuter. 

Don't hear anything much new from Jack. He's very busy. Did he tell you about his learning Jewish - I hear he actually wrote mom directly. Imagine having to go to New Guinea - and learning Jewish there! 

Guess I'll close now. Hope I get the box of Hersheys soon.

Let me know what's doing in your end of the world.

’Bye now.

Love ---

Glo