I intend to post almost daily, and in roughly chronological order, the thousands of pages of daily love letters that my parents sent to each other during WWII and any other documents that pertain to these letters..
I am trying to write this v-mail and listen to Pres. Roosevelt, who is speaking at Shibe Park this evening. He toured Philly today, as part of his compaign. I wanted very much to see him, but it didn't work out. I had to take Adele to Dr. Lefkoe this evening, and just got back. Her new shoes come up to his prescription and I let her wear them home. He didn't charge for this visit and said the following: To let her wear the corrective shoes for a month. At the end of the month I should decide for myself whether or not the shoes have corrected her fault and If It seems alright to me then it is not necessary for me to visit him again. On the other hand, if I feel she could stand another pair of corrective shoes, I should call him and he will advise me further. I don't think he considers Adele's so called "fault" in walking anything whatever and merely gave me the prescription to make sure. Most of the cases I have seen while there were definitely in need of a doctor's care and made me realize just how small her "fault" is. I'm sure it will disappear in due time, especially now that she has the corrective shoes.
Today there was quite a bit of mall. There were your letters of Oct. 8 & 9 with the two snaps of you enclosed, your Sept. bond, a letter from Milt and one from Eddie Strongin. Eddie also sent along a picture of himself and he looks very well. He asked for your address and I shall send it to him. In case it is possible for you to see him, here is his address: Pfc. E. S. 33,326,173, 290th N. P. Co., APO 65, c/o P. M. New York. I liked both snaps of you, honey, and it's good to see your well-loved countenance (a two bitter) again. Sure do hope I get to see it in the flesh real soon! Your letters inspired little comment, except that if you ever let five whole days pass without writing at least a card to me, I shall not respond for double that time. I, for one, cannot see, especially when you have a few whole days to yourself. why you cannot get one measly letter off. It would have saved me a lot of aggravation, believe me, and it makes me feel very badly to think that you could go five days without writing. I don't ever remember my doing that and I certainly don't want you to do it. I hope you don't think I'm "sounding off" but honestly, sweet, please consider how I've felt all month without mail and perhaps you’ll understand my attitude. I had hoped, too, that when you had some time off you'd go to see Eddie. I've been told that you, more than anyone, can be of aid in this matter. If you could speak to the hospital authorities and advise what they have to say and whether or not Eddie could be shipped back to the States, we’d all be immensely relieved. It's almost two months since we had mail from him and we’re all most anxious to have a report from you, If it is at all possible. You said, after visiting him, that you thought your presence did him a world of good. Perhaps If Ed were shipped back to the States to a hospital where we could visit him he would recover that much more quickly. I’m happy that you had a chance for some real relaxation, for I realize how important that is these days. I wish very much that I could have been with you, but I will be one day. I love you very much, darling, and am Immensely relieved to have some late mall, if you can call it that. Perhaps there will be more tomorrow. Night -
I don't think I have to tell you how disappointed I was when I failed to receive any mail from you this morning. It is two days since your letter of the 3rd came through and I had been hoping there would be a pile of mail for me. C’mon sumpin' and quickly!
I got to bed rather Iate last night. During the course of the evening (Rae was our guest) I managed to write four letters, (one to you, Eddie, Syd and Milt). I sewed the buttons (plain white ones) on Adele's newly made pink sweater and started on a sweater for Diana Jean. I have quite a bit of pink and blue wool left and am combining the two to make the sweater for Diana. Adele slept soundly through the night, but once more has gotten into the practice of arising early. I had a picnic getting up this morning but up I got anyhow. I accomplished much this morning before going into work such as, ironing a few personal pieces, blocking Adele's sweater, so it is now ready to be worn, cleaning, washing, etc. I also typed a v-mail to Jack Strongin.
We had a letter from Gloria this morning and she sent along a set of the snaps we took when she was here. She mentioned having sent a set to you, so I'm not sending them along. I don't like any of them, if’n you're Interested in what I think of them.
Mom received a check from the Insurance company (the interest on your policy) and had it in the drawer a week before she remembered to tell me about it. The check was for $3.25, which I thought was more than we've received in previous years. Do you recall? At any rate, I had a lot or trouble getting it cashed last year and finally deposited it to our account, marking it "For Deposit Only". I did the same thing this year, signing my name below yours. The teller, in adding it to the last balance, made a mistake by adding an additional $100 to the original figure. They had to go to a lot of trouble to straighten it out. All's well that ends well, so we now have $3.25 more to our credit.
October is almost over and I have yet to learn what you accomplished this month, if anything. Somehow you seem terribly far off, more so that I ever remember. I wonder if you still believe that you'll see me in ’44? I can't even conceive of any situation that would permit you to "see" me in ’44. I'm sure I'll see you in 45. In fact, I think it will be the latter part of ’45.
I typed this at work, since there was a lull in the afternoon. I can't think of anything else to say, except, of course, that I miss you and your letters very, very much and that I love you even more. I might be Impatient for word from you, but I'm doing my best not to let it get me down too much. Darling - - -
Your Eve
26 October 1944
Dearest Eve,
Having nothing to do for the moment, I thought I'd knock this out to make up for the letter I missed writing last night. Yesterday being Wednesday, there was the regular Enlisted Men's dance at the Aero Club. I had no real intention of stopping in there, but there was a USO show at the theater, and I was passing by the Aero Club on my way back to barracks when I remembered about the dance. At first, having two days’ growth of beard, I was reluctant to go in, but when I heard the swell music of the nine-piece G.I. band, I said to hell with it, and went in to watch and listen - beard and all! The U.S.O show was noteworthy only for the swell comedian, an old vaudeville star from Boston who is over here to help entertain the troops. I admire people like him and his partner, who are old enough to enjoy nothing better than home and fireside and peace and quiet, but come thousands of miles to put up with discomfort (and danger sometimes) just for the sake of bringing a few laughs to the boys in uniform. They are worthy of the highest admiration of anyone and everyone. The dance was very well attended, and the band just made me wanna dance. It was really in the groove. However, I still can't bring myself to dance with any of these gals, although I have no moral objections whatever where that is concerned. Every once in a while, a buddy of mine passing by would ask me why I wasn't dancing, and not knowing myself, exactly, I didn’t know what to tell them.
Your V-mail of 15 October arrived yesterday, but it was one of the "newsy" type that calls for no comment.
There was no mail today, except for a New Year's greeting from Dot. I'm wondering what is holding up that letter of your Mom's that you said she had sent off. Don't think I'll write tonight, since there was no mail. I intend to make the first show at the base theater, where "Double Indemnity” is the feature. Everyone says it's very good. Afterwards, I must clean up my web equipment (cartridge belt, leggings, etc.) for Saturday's inspection,
That’s about all I can think of to say right now, Sweet, so I'll sign off with my usual quota of love and kisses for you and Adele. My love to all.
Ever, Your adoring Phil
Oct. 26, 1944
Dear Evelyn,
I’ve not heard from Phil since at least a monthbefore my furlough. Tell him to get on the ball or else I will; then I’ll roll all the way over and scare hell out of him in London. Cheez! Wish I could!
Well, I’m enjoying a pleasant vacation in this man's army. When they’re done with me is the only time I'll be able to sensibly tell what this is all about.
Till then you'll have to be patient, at least for two months.
Have you heard from Phil by now? What's new with your brothers? Harry get that gas station yet? Wish him luck for me. Nice hearing about Adele, honest. Sure hope Jack gets in. No, I have not your letter in front of me; just thinking back to it. Did I tell you I stopped smoking? Yup, thirty four days ago and never a puff since. In person, I’ll tell you why. Quite a story. Gained 10 pounds since.
Marilyn????
You can see I’m doodling. Bye now my love to you all.
I was terribly disappointed to find that there was not even a single letter from you today. I thought the mail would come through in bunches once It got started, but evidently I was wrong. After that lovely letter yesterday I guess I can't complain, but when you consider it was written on Oct. 3rd - well that's a horse of another color.
I called Mike Nerenberg the other day and learned the following: that he and Frances are house hunting for a home to buy and that Mike expects to go overseas (Frances has an idea, but doesn't fully realize). I asked why he was house hunting at such a time and he said he thought it best to get her settled In a house.
I had another letter from Milt today (my third this week) and it was an air-mail letter, for a change. He sent me some Jap invasion money* for a souvenir. He wrote of his feelings when the Japs try to bomb them out and they are anything but pleasant.
I also had a letter from Dot and she says very little. Snuff signed up to take a diver's course and if it goes through he'll be sent to school in N.Y. for 17 weeks. Of course, it's all very indefinite, as the Army generally is. She doesn't expect to be there for more than a week or two. She said she’d tell me all about her adventures when she gets back.
We also had a letter from Shirley. She joined Yale the beginning of this month and never did stop in to say goodbye. I guess that was her way of saying goodbye. She says Yale's job is wonderful and that he works from 8 to 5 daily. She has the exact same hours and they go to work together. In fact they do everything together.
Rae is our guest again this evening. Adele recognized her instantly and made quite a fuss over her. She kept reminding Rae of the doll that Rae bought her some time ago. Rae, as usual, sends her best.
Harry expects to open the station this weekend. He's been working there all week, getting the place in order.
I called Lil this morning and learned something else. Myra's other brother, who is in Italy, was wounded in the hip. Boy, that family certainly has had its share of misfortune.
When I started this v-mail I hadn't the slightest Idea of how I would fill it up. Aren't you glad I'm so versatile when it comes to making speeches ? (Don't tell me). Anyway, sweet, I love you to bits - so there now.
At long, long last - “a" letter and very old one, too, as it is dated Oct. 3! However, it is still some form of mail and it is a delightful letter and I couldn't have had a better tonic for what ailed me the past few weeks. I get hungry for you just reading this letter -
I can't help wondering, at this late date, whether or not you are on furlough at the present time - or whether you have been moved, since you mention that you will take a furlough at the "end of this month if nothing prevents".
The meals the Army sees fit to bestow upon their men sound so good that my mouth is watering. Sure do wish I could keep you company at one of those meals!
I'm glad you'd "kiss" Adele instead of spanking her for being bad, and many is the time I wish you were here so that you could take her off my hands for a little while.
Stevens’ didn't go out of business as far as I know. I believe one of the family took over, or sumpin'.
The end of your letter is very beautiful, baby, and very little of it excites comment from me. All I want to do is get as close to you as possible, so I can do all the things I'm aching to do to you - (sigh)
As is usual when I use this stationery, I'm at the office. It's ten minutes to six and we'll be leaving shortly. I cleaned up every bit of work I had today and so I'm filling in the extra time with this, whether they like it or not. I had quite a busy morning; went to Broad St. to shop with my mother and then shopped in town for a short while before coming to work. Gimbel's had a big sale today and I thought I might pick up some thing. I darn near did, and there were some good buys to make, but I didn't had sufficient time to try on the suit and sports coat I might have purchased. For instance; the coat I liked was reduced from $42 to $28 and the suit from $35 to $20. That's what I call good buys. As long as I have the money I can always get something,
This evening I'm taking home three packages for Adele. The three packages set me back $2, but all items are very nice. One is a box of brightly colored chalk 12 sticks, for her blackboard; another is a set of five celluloid toys (some of the first to be released) that float in the water and keep a child amused while it is bathing; the third is a complicated affair to explain and so I shall cut the picture of it off the box and send it along to give you an idea of what it is. The blocks whirl around and around until they are barely visible. Adele ought to keep occupied for a little while, at any rate.
Back home again, sweet, and there was no more mail, though I had sort of expected some. My dad forgot to give me the stick to the toy (picture enclosed) and so we could not demonstrate the toy to Adele. She loved the celluloid toys, which consist of a red goose, a red ball, a red hoop with a dog looking through it, a little natural colored figure of a boy and a white celluloid dog. I floated all of them in the tub while she bathed and she didn't know which one to play with first.
As soon as Adele was asleep I washed and then I worked on her pink sweater. I am happy to report that I just finished the sweater, all except sewing the buttons on and blocking it. It came out nicely and I think I shall put her initials on it.
It's kind of late, sweet, and I'm very sleepy. Adele was restless all last night and woke several times. I felt sleepy all day long and I'm anxious to get to bed, as it is now eleven. You've undoubtedly been sleeping for hours and are probably ready to get up. So instead of saying my usual goodnight, I shall say "Good Mornin!". It's another day to love you my dearest one and how I love you! I am
Your Eve
24 October 1944
Eve, dearest,
Sorry I missed writing these past two days, but something interfered both nights when I was about to settle down to writing. Nothing remarkable has transpired in that time, however, so you really haven't missed anything. Your letters are coming through regularly now, honey, and I have your “longie” of the 10th Oct, and your V-mails of 12, 13 Oct. As I have already said, nothing of any account has taken place, so t'll get right on with answering your letters. Did I tell you about the 3 lb. box of Loft's candies that I received from Gloria the other day? Well, I just finished writing to thank her for them. They are delicious candies, and I and my hut mates are enjoying them very much.
On the 12th, you bought home that blackboard for the punkin. That ought to keep her out of mischief for a while. You described that coat you were looking at for Adele as a "moss green, pimply plaid, but I’m hanged if I can visualize it. I always thought a plaid was a mixture of colors—then where does the moss-green come in? - Unless that is the predominating color. If such is the case, why didn’t you say so? Very confusing.—
Just how big is a kid's (7-1/2D) shoe? Is it average, small, large, or what?
I was glad to read, Chippie, that you're not waiting for Milt to write, but are writing to him at intervals, anyhow. Now that I have written to all those to whom I “owed" letters, i'm only waiting for another break to write to Milt and Syd. I feel very guilty that I have not done so for so long a time,
Those vitamin tablets seem to be doing you a world of good, Chippie. Think you'll pull your weight up to 120?
So everyone thinks your new glosses tend to make you look more “intelligent.” (Not a very intelligent observation, if you ask me, but they probably meant that they made you look more “intellectual.”) Evidently, Sweet, glasses don’t flatter you.
That was a pretty expensive outfit your dad bought himself. For that kind of money, I used to be able to buy two suits and two top-coats but isn’t it sorta late in the season to be buying a "topcoat"?) Seems to me, with winter approaching, he'd do much better to get himself an “overcoat" (or is that what you meant in the first place?)
Tony Arcaro is certainly traveling! Don't hold your breath when I tell you this, Baby, and, above all, don't read into it any meaning other than what the bare statement implies, but there is a 50-50 chance that at least half of Anne's dream will materialize. But what's Anne wasting her dreams on me for?
I purposely left your letter of the 10th for the last, since it is the longest, and I wasn't sure. that I’d have time enough to answer it at this time. However, it's still early, so I'll start on it, anyway.
This was the day that you were “so happy" because (1) you received two of my letters and (2) because you finally got those shoes for the punkin—"and white ones, at that!" What can I say to that, darling, except my most hearty congratulations!
Don't let that War Dept. letter stating that Eddie is “still seriously ill" alarm you, Baby. Please take my word for it that there is nothing about his condition that justifies worriment on anyone’s part. If you'll re-read my letter on my visit to him, and give it a little thought, you may begin to understand why there is an apparent discrepancy between the opinions of the WD and myself. You may even get an inkling as to why his letters are so few and so “queer". Fershtaist?
I'm delighted, Sweet, that you liked the sweater patterns. Please, darling, make it your business to make at least one of them. I'd like few things better than to see them all one day in your wardrobe. Don’t think I’m not looking forward to watching you complete that bed-spread, either!
From what you say here, I gather that I needn't have any apprehensions on the candy question. Of course, i’m happy about the whole thing. I thank you, dear for your broad-mindedness in the matter. I half-suspected that you might discourage any tentative gifts of candy.
Reading about how much Adele loves to ride in cars makes me wonder if we'll be able to “manage” one once I get home. I certainly would like nothing better than to take my Chippies riding!
Your clipping that you enclosed proves that you, too, are thinking about what we shall do once I am home again. No, I don't think it would be a good idea to invest what money we have and can raise in a 10,000 home. I think it would be a much better idea to use the money getting established in business. Who knows, in a few years we may be able to put a substantial payment on a home, too. The gist of it is that a home cannot provide the revenue to start in business, but a business might easily pay for a home, ketch? Therefore, always being one to take first things first I’ll give you just one guess which it is to be.
I'm surprised anew each time you tell me that cousin Phil has written to you. Seems like the older I get and the more I see of people, the less I know about them and can judge them. I don't believe t have his address, and I think I owe him a letter. Speaking of Phil reminds me that I had a letter the other day from a Lt. Gene Forman, who ran across my name in the Red Cross Club at Norwich, and thinks he knows me. Evidently, he has me mixed up with cousin Phil, cause I never heard of the guy. However, since he isn’t stationed very far from where I am, I may get to meet him some day. I have replied to his letter, and am currently awaiting an answer.
Well, Baby, that's about all, except that when you write, as you have here, about “picking up your arms and flying to (me)”, I can't help wishing that it were possible. - Which prompts this little thought:
If angel’s wings were mine to gain
Thru faith, or alms, or blameless life, I'd scorn to to “look upon the wine”
I'd give my all to those in need— I’d try my brand-new wings in flight—
And meet you half-way, angel mine.
All right, so it doesn’t rhyme - gee whiz!)
Oh well, if you insist it must rhyme, I’ll fix it—but I wouldn’t do it for anyone else!
Well? Oh, so you don't like that either, eh? Just skip it, then. Maybe some other time, when it’s not quite so late and I can think a little more clearly, huh?
G”night for now, honey. Cuddle up a little closer, will you? Ah—that’s better—much better! Did you remember to kiss the punkin for me? Good! I love you, Chippie.
There was no mail this morning and I was disappointed, to put it mildly. Since I am typing this at the office, I have no idea of whether or not there was mail in the afternoon. I hope so!
I think I forgot to tell you that we rented our garage. It will not house a car, however, but be used as a store room for newspaper. A boy scout outfit collects newspaper for the government and makes quite a bit, so they can afford to rent a place to store the paper until the government truck picks up their stock. Naturally, they must accumulate quite a bit before the government will send a truck to pick it up. Anyway $5 is $5, and it will come In mighty handy at the present time.
I described Adele's new snowsuit in yesterday's v-mail and called the color jungle green. No, it isn't jungle green - it's a deep blue green shade and I think it very flattering to Adele's pink complexion.
I did have some mail this morning - a nice v-mail from Milt Brown, who continues to write regularly whenever the opportunity presents itself. There was nothing unusual to report that I could pass on to you. As long as he is well; that is the main thing.
I just happened to think - I haven't received your Sept. bond as yet. That is mailed to me from Washington and I can't see any reason why that should be held up. What in heaven's name is keeping back the mail???????????????????? Yep, I'm that anxious!!
The enclosed picture (ain't she sumpin’!) was part of a blotter and I thought she looked so good that I'd send her along to keep you company.
Adele slept soundly through last night and didn't awake til seven. I've been catching her often, so that she does not wet the crib as much as before. I usually pick her up out of her sleep before I retire and place her on the toddy. She rarely fails to "go".
It's just a minute to six and we're getting ready to close. Guess I'll finish this at home. See you later, sweet.
Home once more to learn that there was no mail this afternoon. Gosh, Phil, I know Phil, but Jesus Phil!
Adele went to bed like a good little girl this evening and I went down to the drugstore to get a few necessities. I'm going to knit a little while and then hit the hay. Night, honey, I love you so very much!
I feel better tonight than t have for weeks. The reason? I finally got off all those letters I've been wanting to write all that time. Most of today and part of yesterday was consumed in the process, but the new-found feeling of relief is worth it. In all, besides my letters to you, I wrote to Jack S., Jack N., Eddie, Mike and Clara Wagman. I would have written to Dot, too, but I don't have her new address yet. I'll write as soon as I hear from her. There was no mail from any one today - not even you, Baby, but there was a scrumptious 3-lb. box of Loft's chocolates from Gloria by way of consolation. I'll have to write to her first chance I get. It was the first Xmas package I received.
S’funny, Chippie, but I hardly know what to write about tonight! I've received and answered all your letters. up to 11 Oct. (I haven't received the one for the 10th yet). I haven't done a thing worth writing about, and there is no news to acquaint you with. Guess I could fill up a few pages just telling you how much I want you and need you and love you, but I find that indulging myself that way invariably makes me intolerably homesick, and because it isn’t a pleasant feeling, I only write in that vein when I am already feeling that way and so have nothing to lose by it. It's been so long, Sweet, since I wrote any real good news, that I can’t help wishing I had some to impart tonight, but there just isn't any news - either good or bad, so what's a guy to do? Perhaps, if I were in the mood, I could knock off a few verses of what I am wont to call “poetry,” but I guess I just ain't in the mood. - And besides, now that I think of it, you didn't acknowledge my last little effort by so much as a word, remember? I hate to think my trouble went for naught, and now that I'm good and mad about the whole thing - no more "poetry” until you acknowledge the last stint - so there now!
Oh hell, I guess the best thing I can do tonight is - hit the sack. Good-night, Baby. I love you so much! I really do - and I ain't really mad - how could I be? Here's a kiss to prove it! My dearest love to the punkin. Love to all.
Always, Your adoring Phil
Oct. 22, 1944
Dearest Phil,
This morning I stopped over to Mr. Gorin’s (the man across the way that sells children's clothes wholesale) in the hope of getting Adele an outfit at wholesale price. He gave me two coat and legging sets, but neither fit her properly. He was all out of snowsuits, but dug up two that had been returned because of a small damage. I settled for one of the suits. At first I didn't care for it, but when she got it on I bought it immediately. After I examined the suit, I found another very small damage. The suit sells for $15, but I got it for $8. It's not a Byrd cloth material like her other suit, but has a soft finish, very much like camel hair. It's a three piecer, consisting of leggings, jacket and a hood. Jungle green is the color of it. The lining of the hood is bright red and the red peeks out on the edges. The hood is pulled snug against the head with a red draw string that has red tassels on the end. The jacket has two full cut deep pockets and a fairly wide belt. On the shoulder of the jacket, on the front only, on either side are three red stripes with a fancy green tip. It's a most attractive outfit and I certainly got it for a song. Neither of the small damages is noticeable, in fact, I wouldn't even call them damages.
Uncle Sam and Pauline were over and had lunch with us. Adele took to them immediately. Unc gave her 50¢ in change and she went directly upstairs, pulled the penny bank out of the drawer and “put the money in the bank". I was dumbfounded, for usually when someone gives her some money, she drags me to the "tandy tore, pretsol" (candy store for a pretzel). I meant to tell you sometime back that Eddie Strongin was transferred from Ireland to Wales.
This morning after getting the snowsuit I visited Fay, and Adele got hysterics over a pussy cat that Fay recently acquired. Every time that pussy cat moved or washed herself, Adele squealed with joy. From Fay’s I stopped to see my mother. Jack was busy playing some of the rolls from the player piano and Adele became fascinated with the moving keys. Jack, by the way, has become an excellent dancer, and I'd venture to say that he is a close second to Jack Nerenberg. Jack likes the way I dance and keeps bothering me to practice with him. Ruth played some of the rolls on the piano and I jitterbugged with Jack. Then my mother and daddy started dancing and Adele joined in, using her dolly as a partner. She, tries to imitate me by lifting her foot in a jump-like step. Before she tries it, however, she gets a firm grip on something and then goes to town. I brought her home shortly after and gave her lunch. The Strongins came about then. When Adele finished her lunch I put her up for her nap. About a half hour later I went up and found that she simply had no sleep in her. So, I brought her down once more and she went without a nap today. Consequently she was very cranky this evening, but I made sure that she was in bed earlier than usual. I just finished ironing and as soon as I finish this I'm going to bed. Gee, but I wish you were going up with me! I love you so much, baby! Hope, too, that there will be mail from you on the morrow.
There was no mail this morning and I'm rather anxious to see if there was any this afternoon. As you may have noted, I'm running this off at the office at closing time.
Adele gets smarter every day. This morning, for instance, when I was putting her shoes on, she kicked against the side of our bed and I asked her to stop. When I had asked her three times, I turned her over and smacked her "toosey". She then said, "Sorry, mommy, no more". What a kid!
Oct. 21, 1944
I was disappointed once more - mailless day again! I remember your telling me not to get dejected when and if your mail should be held up, but I know of no logical reason for it at the present time. Most everyone I know has had mail way through October and I'm unable to get past the first of the month. I'm in a terrible rut, honey, and that's putting it mildly. Only mail from you will break it, too. I miss you so keenly Phil - oh what's the use - words just seem to fail me. I'm so horribly empty inside!
Winter is taking a firm grip on us and it is necessary to use the heat often. The only thing I have any appetite for these past few weeks is knitting, and as a result I've nearly completed the pink sweater for Adele.
Etta is due to have her baby any day. The baby's name will have to start with a ''W" and if it's a boy its name will have to be William, after Nat's father. I haven't the slightest idea of what she'll name a girl.
I worked my usual four hours this morning. After work I walked down to 7th & South to pick up my dad's suit and coat. It rained all day, but I felt like walking to get some of the restlessness out of me. I shopped for strollers in the meantime, but found nothing that inspired me to buy. They are sky high. Mr. Bellet said he would let me talk to the salesman of the stroller concern when he comes to visit us and perhaps I can get what I want that way. The only thing is that I may have to wait a long while for it and that isn't so good.
I note that the typewriter ribbon is getting very light, as compared to the type of our office machine. I have a new ribbon and will put it on tomorrow. (Just in case you were about to comment),
We had some company this afternoon for a short while - Tante Bosh and Sylvia. Adele says "Sylvia" just as you or I would, in fact she says it more clearly than we do.
My brother Seymour was supposed to get home this weekend, but missed out when he went up for his pass. He was too late and they refused to issue any more "liberty'. Oh well, better luck next time. He called the folks and everyone was very disappointed.
Phil, all I can really think about is - when will I have mail from you! Darling, it's bad enough not being able to see or talk to you, and when I fail to receive mail, it only makes you seem that much further from me. Phil, dearest, I love you and want you so much! I'm counting on having mail tomorrow, (I mean Monday) and hope I won't be let down this time. And now I'm going to take myself up to bed and try to drown my sunken spirits in sleep. I've even had difficulty getting some sleep all week! Good night, baby, wherever you are. I am and always will be
Your Eve
20 October 1944
Darling Chippie,
Last night, I had completed four of these pages to Jack N., when I was called to the Orderly Room to clear up some records. That took the rest of the evening, so I neither finished Jack's letter nor had time to write to you. Today, I took advantage of my "pass" to finish Jack's letter, (after dinner I slept til 11:00), and now i'm all set to answer your two V-mails of 9 and 11 Oct, which arrived yesterday. There was no fresh mail today. Incidentally, Sweet - in writing to Jack, I gave him a rough idea as to my plans concerning him, Lenny and myself. I told him to write to you for the more detailed account which I sent to you. I'd appreciate it if you don't wait for his request but send off copies to him and Lenny first chance you get, I want to hear what they have to say about it at the earliest possible date.
It's been a miserable, rainy day, and I only left the warmth of the log fire in the stove to trudge down to the Mess Hall for dinner—(and I do mean “trudge"). It was tough and uncomfortable walking in the teeth of the wind-driven rain. But one has to eat, doesn't one, Chippie?
On 9 Oct. you complain that you hadn't received mail for seven days. I don't understand, Sweet, why that was so, ’cause I never missed writing that long. The last lapse of more than a day was two weeks ago, when I went to London on pass. The rest of your letter was entirely about Adele and her latest “doings". From your account, honey, she sure is a “cutie". Reading about her demonstration toward Al, and your reaction to the little scene, kinda “made the lump come up" for me, too. I couldn't help but feel cheated, somehow.
On the 11th you inform me that Harry finally landed a job in the Navy Yard. I'm glad of that, anyway.
Tomorrow, I mean to write as many letters as I have time for. Outside of the foregoing, Baby, there isn't anything to report, and as I must get ready for tomorrow's inspection, I'll sign off now with all my love for my adored Chippies. My love to all.
