Post #480 - October 11, 1944 Dot is in Louisiana with Snuff and I Somehow Haven’t Given Up the Hope that the War in Europe will be Over Before the New Year

 

Oct. 11, 1944

Dearest Phil,

My mail today consisted of your letter of Oct. 1 and a nice card from Dot. Your letter inspires no comment. You were in a "cute” mood that day. Dot, as you know by now, is in Louisiana with Snuff, so I can't very well tell her you want to be forgiven for not writing. She’s saving you the trouble of writing to two correspondents by joining Snuff and told me to write directly to Snuff, as she has no permanent address.

Harry accepted a job with the Phila. Navy job [yard?] and his work will be to insulate pipes. It is almost three weeks that he is unemployed, so it certainly is high time he got something. He and Goldie are going to a wedding (Goldie’s cousin) in New York on Oct. 28th.

My boss was in a very bad mood all day and just this evening I learned the reason: George has to leave for the service on Oct. 31st and it is hard blow at this particular time. We are so busy that his loss will be heavily felt. I'm not so busy, but the salesmen and packers are. We are doing a tremendous business and are falling behind in deliveries already.

Adele woke me twice last night, but both times she had to make a “sissy". I can't complain, cause at least the bed is dry and I have little or no washing at all. It's as long as it is broad. Speaking of Adele reminds me that we have a beautiful standing blackboard that folds into a table with a roller on top which features the alphabet and all sorts of animals and things. It comes complete with blackboard erasers and chalk and costs $3.25 wholesale. I think I'm going to get one for Adele. She likes to scribble and it should be of interest to you. It wouldn't hurt for her to learn to recognize the alphabet on sight. The strollers haven't come in yet, and when they do, if they are what I want I shall purchase one. They are due in most any day now.

This morning I accomplished a lot. I cleaned our room, the living and dining rooms and then took a walk with Adele to Fay's house. We sat on the open porch for about an hour and then it was time for me to leave for work. I sat and knitted and talked to Fay while Adele played with Marty (as Adele fondly calls Mark).

Adele says her daddy is in "ing lawn". She was rummaging through your night table drawer and messed up your socks (the few pairs I do have). Now she constantly reminds me "Daddy's socks".

Fay told me that Morris made her an allotment of a $25 bond each month plus $15 in cash. I was quite surprised, as it does leave him with very little. But, I've come to the end of another missive, so I'll leave you with this thought in mind - I love you dearly, honey, and I am and always will be

Your Eve

11 October 1441

Dearest Chippie, 

Because it was such a pretty fall evening last night, I decided to pass up writing, and to take a ride into town instead. It had been a hard day, what with getting out the payroll and all, and I felt the need for a little relaxation. I spent the evening quietly and pleasantly with Bert and Evelyn and Nigel. I told them about my recent visit to London and the shows t saw there. Bert said to let him know when I get my next pass so that we might go to the dog or horse races. He told me that Mr. Dee is a great gambler and that he recently won about $8000.00 in one day at the races. I'll have to talk to Mr. Dee!

Your V-mail of the 29th Sep. arrived yesterday, but while I enjoyed reading it, there was nothing in it that requires answering. Today was a dreary, cloudy one, but I had plenty to do, so I didn't take too much notice of the weather, I had planned to go to the movies to see “A Guy Named Joe,” but it is raining heavily, and I’m reluctant to walk down in the rain. Maybe it will stop in time for me to make the second show, I hope! Think I'll take a nap in the meantime (soon as I finish this). I got in about 1:00 A.M. this morning and I feel the need to make up those coupla hours of lost sleep. There is just a trickle of mail coming thru. There wasn't any at all today, Sweet.

Hardly know what else to say. The war drags on and on, and I’m beginning to wonder how much longer it will be before I get to see you. I've just about given up hope of being home for Adele's second birthday, but somehow haven't given up the hope that the war in Europe will be over before the New Year. I really can't see how the enemy can possibly hold out much longer under the kind of punishment he is absorbing on all sides, nor do I see how he can possibly man almost a thousand miles of front thickly enough to keep us out of Germany for long. Whether or not we in the ETO will be sent home after Germany surrenders, is, of course, something we don't know, but it's good to know, nevertheless, that there is that possibility. I'm not at all disheartened with the prospects, honey, so don't you be, Let us hope and pray for a happy conclusion to our past few years of doubts, apprehensions, and heartaches. In the meantime, I am your ever lovin' hubby, and Adele's doting daddy

Phil 

P.S. My love to all—of course!

Post #479 - October 10, 1944 We Had A Letter from the War Dept. Today and It Informs Us that Ed is “Still Seriously Ill”

 

Oct. 10, 1944 

Dearingest, Darlingest Phil, 

It sounds screwy I know, but I'm in a very good mood today. Hip, Hip, Hooray!! And I have two good reasons for being so happy! First, there were two letters from you, and though they were rather old (Sept. 27 and 29), they were, nevertheless, mail, and it broke the depression that had assailed me all week. Second, I managed to get Adele those almost unobtainable corrective shoes, and white ones at that! I happened to call Geutings this morning and the shoes had just come in, so I dashed down with Ruth and Adele and settled the matter for once and for all. The shoes themselves were $5.25 and the correction, which Guetings own shoemakers make, cost an additional 75¢. I had expected them to be more, and was surprised to find the cost as low as $6. Now I have to wait til Monday, at which time the correction will have been made, and then I shall contact Dr. Lefkoe, and have him examine the shoes.

In both your letters you were very homesick and lonely. You weren't sure you should tell me about it, and I can't understand why. I feel exactly the same way and I'm not ashamed to admit it. I like to feel that I can "take it,” but there are times when I definitely cannot. For instance: I'm not afraid to say "that there have been nights that I found it almost impossible to get to sleep for want of you.” After all baby, you are my husband, and I do love you very much and I do want you and I expect you to feel the same way about me. Many are the times when I don't know what ails me and nine times out of ten, when I analyze I find it's YOU. Phil it can't be much longer - it just can't.

So much for the happier side. We had a letter from the War Dept. today and it informs us that Ed is "still seriously ill". That's the first time they used the term "seriously" and, naturally, it has us all worried. I've thought of writing to the War Dept. for more information and to inquire if perhaps Ed would be sent home in the near future. I don't know what to do and I was wondering if perhaps you could get additional information concerning him. My folks had a nice letter from him last week dated Sept. 29th and I just received your Sept. 29th letter today. We were under the impression that he was quite improved, from his letter, and can't understand why they term him "seriously ill". Is that the Army's way of doing things?

Your letter of the 27th contained the three booklets of instructions and I thought each sweater lovelier than the proceeding one. I shall flatter myself, let alone you, if I do get the opportunity to make "several".

I promised Ethel I'd make Paul a beige vest for a belated birthday gift and I must make Adele a heavy sweater set. I want to make her a dubonnet sweater and hat to match her jodhpurs, to make a complete outfit. That's when I get around to it. In the meantime I am working on a light weight pink sweater for Adele and have the back and almost all of the front completed.

I accomplished a lot today. I took some things to the tailor, had two pairs of shoes repaired, bought Adele a bottle of cod liver oil ($2.29) and even cleaned our room thoroughly.

Last night shortly after I had posted your letter, Etta called to ask for your address and Jack’s, saying that they (she and Nat, of course) were sending out packages to all the boys. She also told me that Leon Possner was back from overseas, due to the fact that his ship docked at the Brooklyn Navy Yard for repairs. I can just imagine how he felt!

The Wymans are also sending off packages to you and Jack, so I can guarantee that the candy ration, which you claim I have imposed upon you, will cease to be. Now, aren't you happy!

Harry is still unemployed, still filling out applications and still waiting for a job that will pay him the kind of money he wants.

Adele was excited all day long. No wonder - what with a bus, subway and then a trolly ride! She loves to ride! Adele woke me up several times last night and I felt rather tired today. I had a very easy day at work. I didn't get to work until almost one o'clock, due to the unexpected shopping trip.

While walking along Chestnut St. to put Adele and Ruth on the 47, I noticed a little outfit in one of the dress stores that I should like to have, providing it looks as well on me and it looks to me.

The outfit consists of a bellboy jacket and skirt, grey color, with a white pin stripe running through it. It has large silver buttons for decoration and seemed rather inexpensive to me, being only $8.95. If it's still there when I have to call for Adele's shoes on Monday and fits me nicely I shall buy it.

I'm enclosing a clipping that appeared in the Daily News yesterday. Think we can afford to build a $10,000 home? It just shows to go you how much our savings will mean when you do come home!

I also had a nice letter from Phil today and he called himself a half-a   ed technician. He watches real operations and autopays (is that correct?) and is going to perform an operation on a dog in the near future. As he said "When I get done sewing him up, he’d better be alive -"

Phil, darling, I'm missing you so acutely these past few weeks that I feel I could almost pick up my arms and fly to you. I sometimes don't like to mention these moods, for fear that you will "bawl me out” or give me a lecture. Phil I could almost cry out, when I think of how much you are missing. Adele is at her most adorable stage and I really feel she needs a daddy's attention. Everything she does is most surprising and I have to make her repeat some things to make sure I heard her right the first time.

It is very late, sweet, and I'm weary tonight. I hope Adele decides to let me sleep tonight. And to make sure I'm going to get right into bed and try to put thoughts of you aside, just so I might catch up a wee bit on my sleep, if’n you don't mind.

Good night for now, darling, I am, as ever

Your Eve

Post #478 - October 9, 1944 A Big Lump Came Into My Throat and I Just Can’t Visualize Adele Being That Tall

 

Oct. 9, 1944

Dearest Phil,

No mail for seven days now and I can't help feeling down in the dumps Besides, I would get off a longer letter, but the lack of mail depresses me and I’m not so anxious to write when the correspondence is one-sided.

I got a big kick out of Adele yesterday and today. As I told you in my last v-mail, Mom, Adele and I took a ride over to Ethel's for just a short visit. As we walked over to get the bus, Adele, who was all dressed up, noticed some people staring at her. She waved her hand at them (as if to say "aw kid” and then came out with a pronounced, "top eet!" Adele almost became hysterical when the bus approached and she could hardly wait til she got on. When we sat down I asked her if she liked the bus and she all but screeched. "YES". Then she pointed to a "yady" (lady), who had "ipstick" (lipstick) on. When we got off the bus at Oxford Ave. to catch the trolley, she said “That's all bus" and proceeded to get excited about the trolley. We had a nice visit with Ethel and in an hour and a half we were ready to leave. At just that moment, up pulled Mr. & Mrs. Zamsky and daughter. (Helen was having dinner with Mickey that evening) and we got a ride back. One thing that happened while we were there just about made me cry. Paul had a cold and was in bed and Al was upstairs amusing him most of the time. About a half hour before we left Al came down. Ethel was about to hand him Stuart, but Adele had sort of ambled up to Al and stood there looking at him very pathetically. She wanted him to pick her up, but he didn't notice. Ethel, however, did. When he said "Come Adele" she threw her arms up and he lifted her up. She hugged him very tightly and laid her head on his shoulder. Then she kissed him right on the mouth and then the cheek, all very lovingly. She's crazy about Al, and It only showed very clearly how much she missed her daddy. A big lump came into my throat and I was almost kinda glad to go home. As soon as Adele got into the car she wanted it to go. As we turned the Oxford Circle, she said "round and round and round.” She didn't want to get out of the car when we got home. The rest of the night was routine, except that Emma came over about 8:30 and I joined her to visit the people across the street, who lost their boy. I met the fellow's wife, too. They speak more rationally now and the first effects seem to have left them. A few relatives were present and everyone got into a game of knock rummy, even yours truly, though I didn't get in until about a half hour before it broke up. Instead I knitted on Adele's pink sweater the while.

This morning, upon arising, the first thing Adele. noticed was the walking picture of you and me, taken by Jack N. She said "Mommy, Daddy - walking. hand" (meaning we were holding hands). At least she knows enough to associate our picture! I got into work at twelve, and, for a change, we were very slow. I caught up on some back work and had a generally easy day.

I see I’ve just left room for a "sweet ending" and I hope it will be just that, only literally. I love you, Phil dear.

Your Eve

9 October 1944 

Ev, darling

A very busy day for me, but a satisfying one, ’cause I got a lot done. However, there is even more to be done tomorrow. I made the first show at the base theater, where I saw "Happy Land" with Don Ameche, Frances Dee, and others. It was fairly interesting, but I’m hanged if I got the point they so obviously tried to put across in the story. Don't go out of your way to see it, honey. Coming back, I stopped by the day room, where I played about seven or eight games of Ping-pong with Sgts. Suchoza and Walker - and won every game. I was really "hot" tonight and they didn't stand a chance. Then back here to our hut, where I found Nappy melting cheese on bread before the fire in the stove. We also had some berry jam, which we spread on top. It was a very tasty combination. Then I settled down on my bunk with pad and pen to write this. Now, what do you want to hear about, Sweet? There was no mail from you in the past four days, so I'm rather at my wits end for things to say. Oh yes, I almost forgot to tell you that I received a New Year's Greeting from Clara Wagman. She wrote that she had called you for my address, that she had some fun kidding you on the phone, and that she would try to stop around to see you. How come you didn't mention it in your letters, Baby, or was it in one I haven’t received yet? The last letters I received from you, Chippie, were your V-mails of 26 and 27 Sep. The most important item in your communique of the 26th, was the information that my punkin is 35 inches tall. Ev, I measured it off on a steel tape rule, and I just can't visualize her being that tall. Seems to me it's uncommonly tall for a tot of her tender years. Are you sure you got the figure right? Outside of that, there isn't anything in your letters that calls for comment.

I dreamed about you last night, sweetheart, in a dream that was so real that it makes me wonder if it doesn't portend something or other. What I can't understand is why t insist, or rather, persist in being a perfect gentleman toward you in my dreams here of late. It seems like a sheer waste of a golden opportunity, and it burns me up when I think of it.

Well, darling, that's about all for tonight. I am looking forward to "hitting the sack” tonight ’cause I am uncommonly tired. (Hope I have better luck in my dreams tonight!)

I adore you, my Evvie. A kiss for my punkin. My love to all. See you tomorrow, Sweet. 'Bye now!

Your loving
Phil

Post #477 - October 8, 1944 One of the Kids in the Drive Has a Little All Black Puppy Named Inky and I Went on Pass to London

 

Oct. 8, 1944

My dearest,

Nothing much to say today, but want to keep up the daily correspondence. Last night I ironed my accumulation of the week, washed a few pieces, showered and then knitted on Adele's pink sweater for a little while. I had washed the pinafore and hat of Adele’s doll, which had gotten pretty beat up, and when I finished with the doll, she looked brand new once more. And don't you think Adele noticed it first upon arising this morning! The first thing she said was "oy yoy yoy (she substitutes that for oh my at times) Mommy, dolly, pretty, hat on" and proceeded to kiss the living daylights out of the doll. What a kid!

Today, for a change, Adele is napping (I should say Thank God) and I am knocking this out during that time. I washed again today and did quite a bit of dusting, etc. to put the house in order. Mom and I (Adele, too) are going to go to Ethel's when Adele awakes. We're only going for the ride and will stay for a few hours only. The weather today is gorgeous, in fact it's just ideal. How It makes me want you!

Adele now asks me to “come here" and "fix It" and "tie it" and "upstairs” and "downstairs". She had me chasing after her all morning. One of the kids in the drive has a little all black puppy named Inky and the kids love to play with “Inky". Adele almost gets hysterical over him; she loves him that much! I stopped over to see Shirley and Emma and learned that Shirley had returned to Yale and that Em was still sleeping.

I was rather shocked to hear of the death or Willkie, for it seemed so very sudden to me.

Seymour called yesterday and expects to get home for a few hours in about two weeks. He almost counts the days til he'll go on "liberty".

I must run along and finish getting dressed before Adele wakes. By the way Flora and Marvin are home on a 12 day furlough, the like of which they get about every five months. They both look very well and asked about you. I believe Marvin's camp expects to close up in the near future. It's just as I said that most of the camps are folding up. I've had the same report in three instances.

My fondest love, my darling Phil, and if I could just get my arms around you I’d just squeeze you to bits. I love you so much, sweet!

Your Eve

P.S. I filled it up after all.

8 October 1944

Ev, dearest,

How long is it since you've had mail from me? Four days? Five? I really don't know, but I do know that I very much regret that I couldn't write in that period. The reason, of course, was that I went on pass to London. I really wasn't so anxious to go, but Sgt. Danner prevailed on me to go along “with me” to show him how to get around in the big town. It was his first trip there (he just came overseas in July/44) and he was just as eager to visit London as he was reluctant to go alone. So, after he had asked me some five or six times within the past few weeks, and because the danger from buzz bombs is just about past, I finally decided to go along with him when my pass came up on the 5th Oct. Well, Chippie, I could write reams and reams about the trip, or rather, the things we did and saw while in London, but it is rather late in the evening to attempt to get it all down tonight, so I'll give you a brief outline here and try to elaborate on some of it later. Suffice it to say, then, that most of our time was spent taking in the shows. We spent both nights at the Turkish bath. It was the first time I'd been there since April, and it certainly was wonderful to enjoy the luxury of the baths once again. The pictures we saw in in this order: "Mask of Demetrios", "Greenwich Village,” Dragon Seed," “Bathing Beauty" and "Sensations of 1945". We also took in a show.

It was a musical comedy titled "Happy and Glorious". We had seats smack in the center of the front now and the show was everything the title implies. Chippie, it was truly wonderful and I wished so much that you were there to share my enjoyment. The stars were Zoe Gail, (the lead in “Strike a New Note” which I saw last winter, and Tommy Trinder, a very personable and talented comedian. Zoe is a sweet-looking red-head, and Hollywood is overlooking a good bet in her. She dances and sings to please anyone and has a world of charm. Danner enjoyed the show almost as much as I did (nobody could enjoy it more). We left the Palladium all aglow with the exhilaration that the music and dancing and comedy inspired. For sheer entertainment, it was tops. As for the movies we saw, I particularly enjoyed "Bathing Beauty.” Don’t, if you can possibly help it, Sweet, miss this one! The music is superb! (particularly Ethel Smith's and Harry James’ solos). Esther Williams is as pretty as any girl has a right to be. Red Skelton plays his best role to date. His imitation of a gal getting up in the morning is a classic of its kind. The ballet school interlude is a scream. To boot, there are the exciting rhythms of Xavier Cugat and the lovely to look at color schemes of Natalie Kalmus. I saw this one alone because Danner insisted he wanted to see some of the sights. I still think he couldn't possibly have seen anything nicer than what I saw in the movies! Anyway, I enjoyed it so much that I sat half-way thru it again. "Dragon Seed" was very good, too, although K. Hepburn is for from being as impressive in the role of the Chinese girl as Luise Rainer was in the “Good Earth.” Of the two, "Good Earth" was far superior. But as I said before, it is a good picture and very much worth seeing. “Greenwich Village” is also very good entertainment. Carmen Miranda is her usual colorful, ebullient self. The romantic lead opposite Don Ameche is a beauty named Vivian Blaine, who, I think, is making her debut in this one. She is, without a doubt, one of our prettiest actresses, has a sweet voice, lovely legs, etc., but, alas, she lacks “sparkle.” Somehow, with all her commodities, she fails to “hit the spot.” The "Sensations of 1945" is a stinkeroo compared to the others. "Mask of Dimitrios is a suspenseful adventure story, which is also worthwhile, if you care for that sort of a picture. Sidney Greenstreet and Peter Lorre are excellent, as usual.

We ate mostly at the Eagle Club, but treated ourselves to one very excellent dinner at the "Criterion Restaurant” in Piccadilly Circus, (Remember the hors d'ouvres I had there in my previous visit?)

Well, Chippie, looks like the few letters that were waiting for me on my return will have to go unanswered for the time being. It is time for “lights out". It is also "date. time" – and time to remember how sweet you are, and how much I love you. Good-night, my darling. My love to the punkin and the family.

Your adoring
Phil 

P.S. Enclosed are two snaps taken about two weeks ago. Hope you recognize them as your ever-lovin’ hubby. I cut one cause the angle was wrong and the nether half was distorted. You might send the negatives to Jack N. Maybe he can do something with them.

Post #476 - October 7, 1944 The Hardest Job I Know is Raising a Child

 

Oct. 7, 1944

Dearest Phil,

No mail for four days now and, as a matter of fact, I have been receiving mail on the average of once a week, which, as compared to how I received mail earlier, isn't good. Gosh, honey, I sure am let down when day after day passes sans mail!

I've been meaning to ask this question for a while, but always seemed to forget It once I started to write. You never told me why Bert Woolf isn't in the Army. Is he a 4-F?

The weather took a decided change today and which resulted in a regular summer day. It was so warm that Adele was out in only light weight overalls and a short-sleeved jersey. Adele likes to go to "bo ad seet" (Broad St.) to see the choo-choo trains (you know, the ones that run on the Reading Line above Lindley Ave.) Adele tells me to “hurry up” when she wishes to go somewhere. She is getting into another practice - that of not napping the usual two hours in the afternoon - and it is a very bad habit. Phil, the hardest job I know is raising a child - God Bless her, but she wears us all out, and I do mean every one. I sometimes wonder how my mother stands her. She gets into everything and just won't stay still a minute. Boy, would you get a workout if you were home! I don't think I'd like to burden my mother with the care of Adele indefinitely, much as I would like to see us get off to a good start, and I'll be very happy when I know you are coming back to support us. If only I had some idea of when you’d be coming home - Every so often I find myself wondering what will be - just as you did about ordering that civilian suit. That's what I love about our life - it's so definite!, but undefinitely! (And I know it should be "in")

I've come this far and neglected to mention what transpired last night. The doctor says Mom’s eyes are much better than mine and that she has marvelous eyes for a person her age. She only needs glasses for reading. The doctor rated my eyes 20 - 30 and 20 - 20 with glasses. He fitted me with glasses and made me read a newspaper for about 15 minutes. When he first put the glasses on me the floor seemed to climb up the side of the wall. In a little while they became clear and I could feel how they were helping my eyes. They are a big help and I think they will do me a world of good, especially where my headaches are concerned. My glasses will be ready by next Friday.

In just eight weeks Adele will be two years. I never thought you'd be away so long. Baby, I miss you so much and I'm hoping it won't be very much longer. I love you dearly, Phil, oh I just can't seem to write any more - I want you too much. Before I start talking silly (and I wouldn't want to do that) I'll just draw you real close, give you a bear hug and kiss you and kiss you and kiss you.

Your Eve

Post #475 - October 6, 1944 I Wish You Could Hear Your Daughter Hold a Conversation on the Phone

 

Oct. 6, 1944

Dearest Hubby,

No mail from you today, but there was a long letter from Jack N. He states that he is 95% sure that he will undergo the operation on his ears in the Amy and perhaps shortly. His camp is closing (it seems like a lot of camps are closing) within 30 days and he hinted to the Col. to send him to Photography School in New York and there is a very good chance that he will get it. If this does happen he will be on government rations, quarters and most or all - he'll be in N.Y. How about that! A letter of recommendation has been forwarded and he is awaiting a reply. He is dyin' to hear from you, so if you can possibly manage it, I'd suggest that you send him a letter.

Nothing of any consequence to report. Harry is still filling out applications, the weather is still damp and I got into work a little earlier today. I had a very busy day and it flew by quickly. You ought to see the the size of some of the orders!

I caught Adele the past two nights and it saved me a lot of work. (from wetting, of course). I wish you could hear your daughter hold a conversation on the phone with my mother or Sarah. She usually starts off by saying, "Hello Nanmom, or Sarah, whatever the case may be, and tells them it is raining out, that she is playing with her books (Ruth brought her about five Mother Goose books which she thumbs through daily), that the other Nanmom is "seeping” (for sleeping) and Diana is crying (only she can't say he “c"). Her volce is clear as a bell. I keep telling her that we are going to see Daddy soon (I hope) and that he is going to play with her, kiss her, take her bye-bye and even sleep with her. Hope it's real soon, honey, for even I'm anxious to see you, just as Adele seems to be.

I'm knocking this off just before keeping my appointment with the eye doctor. Mom is going along with me to have her eyes examined and by the time we each have an examination it will be rather late. I have to bathe Adele when I get back and thought it best to get this off before leaving. Let you know the results, if any, tomorrow. I’m a little nearsighted, if anything.

I managed to fill this up, though I was extremely doubtful at first. And now, baby mine, I must run along, much as I hate to, and so I'll close with a tender kiss, a good satisfying hug, and an ocean of love. An ocean is a big thing, but I don't think it's nearly as great as the love I bear you, dearest one. I might add that mom is sending off Xmas packages to both Jack and yourself, so I doubt that you'll have a candy shortage for some time to come. Let me know if there is anything in particular that you would like to have, I haven’t sent off any packages recently, as I'm at loss for what to send. You might enllghten me, If you will - and you will. I love you baby!

Your Eve

Post #474 - October 5, 1944 Today Marks Our 14th Month of Separation

 

October 5, 1944

My dearest,

Today marks our 14th month of separation. I'm sure the longest period of walting is over and I can only wonder at how long it will be before I do see you. God, but 14 months is a long time!

Mr. Bellet informed me today that he expects a shipment of strollers within the next two weeks, so, at long last, I think I am about to get Adele a much needed carriage. I understand the price will be $19.50, but I won't give him the entire amount at one time. Instead I’ll give him a deposit and pay it off weekly, as I did with the table and chair set. I finished paying for the table and chair set last week.

I am still waiting for the gas man to turn on the heat, but they have such a long waiting list that no doubt it will be several more days. In the meantime I'm not bathing Adele, as it is much too damp and I don't want to run any risks of her catching cold. The weather continues cloudy and damp.

Mr. Bellet has asked me to try to get in a little earlier during the next two months, as we are very busy all day long. Our Christmas season is now in full force and the orders are tremendous, even with the lack of various types of merchandise. I brought home a nice water bottle for the refrigerator. I managed to get in at 11:15 today, but it is kind of hard for me to get in much earlier and the job really requires more time at the Christmas season. As I told him, "I'll come in whenever I can. After all I do make more money when I come in early, so there is really no need for you to urge me." He readily agreed. I think I'm going to hit him for a small raise if I continue to work there a few more months..

Harry is still kicking around. None of the jobs offered will pay him the salary he would like to have and I have a funny idea he’s toying with the idea of returning to Poughkeepsie with Goldie where everything will be just as he wants it. Goldie’s girlfriend, when she was here, told me that Harry asked her it he would like living in Poughkeepsie, and besides, his father-in-law could afford to give him a lot. I'm not worried if he does decide on such a course of action, for I feel I could manage alone, if it is positively necessary. I may be wrong, but nevertheless it is food for thought. Who knows what may happen. As long as we have a half-decent income I'm sure we'll get along. It all adds up to what I've always said, "Hooray for me, the hell with you". It's only a natural tendency on the part of most everyone.

All I can think of anymore is “when, when when will I see you????” Most or the news commentators figure it will be over in Europe before the year is out and I sure do hope they are right. Are you still keeping our five P.M. date (11 for you)? Darling, if you lay very quietly I'm sure you'll hear me saying, I love you Phil darlIng.

Your Eve