Post #617 - March 28, 1945 Just Cause I'm 23 Today, Would You Mind Very Much If I Signed Off with 23 Long, Long Kisses and a Big Bear Hug for Good Luck.

 

3/28/45

My dearest,

Your letter of March 18th greeted me upon my arrival home and I enjoyed the accounts of your visit with Bert and Evelyn. What I wouldn't give to lounge around for just one day! I told Adele yesterday that tomorrow was mother's birthday and first thing on arising this morning she gave out with "Happy Birthday to you -" The only thing that made me angry was the fact that she got up at 6 to say it and I had gotten to bed at 1 A.M.! Oh, well, it's all in a lifetime and what's a little sleep - yeh, what is it. I was so tired and so busy cleaning up at work that I didn't have time to remember whether or not it was my birthday. Anne got a bright idea at work and when Mr. Bellet was in the office came forth with, "Well, kid, it's your birthday, so I'm going to treat you to a nice slice of pie for lunch." I thought he'd say something nice, but instead he piped in with, "Speaking of gifts, didn't you take a step-on can for someone last night?" So I had to pay him for it and that was that. After all his promises of gifts and treats I've come to the conclusion that he's the biggest bull-thrower that ever was. Anne did bring me delicious piece of huckleberry pie and my dad brought me ice-cream, so I had a royal lunch.

It was practically summer today, as far as I'm concerned. The weather is lovely and wish very much that we could take some walks together through the park, with Adele. Soon - huh -

Harry and Goldie gave me a lovely pale peach lace trimmed satin slip for my birthday. It's just what I need and I'm going to get myself several more - gradually. Adele is getting ready for a new pair of shoes and I am going to take her to Dr. Lefkoe before purchasing them, just to be sure her feet are okay. I should like to buy her low oxfords, for I feel she is ready for them, but he may have other ideas. There isn't anything wrong with her walk, except for a slight tendency to turn her right foot in, but day by day! I watch carefully and it is slowly, and surely disappearing. Now that she is taller and thinner her legs are straighter and not quite as chubby as they used to be. She has the cutest little figure -

Dot called me first thing early this morning to wish me a happy birthday. Mail from Snuff comes through very slowly. He writes a nice letter and is very satisfied with his present setup, that is as well satisfied as one in the Army can be.

It is past ten and I just finished bathing Adele, washing, showering myself, etc. and am going to hit the hay immediately after I finish this. I had a shot of delicious blackberry wine (a gift of Ethel and Al for the holidays) after dinner and it is taking effect. I hope you had a pleasant Passover dinner, baby, and that you'll spend your next one with me. Good night, angel mine, and just cause I'm 23 today, would you mind very much if I signed off with 23 long, long kisses and a big bear hug for good luck. I love you so much -

Your Eve

Post #616 - March 27, 1945 Undoubtedly You, Too, Heard the So-Called Peace Rumors that Floated About Today

 

3/27/45

Dearest Darling:

It is 12 A.M. and I have just returned from Marie Presti’s shower. I really hadn't intended writing this evening at all, but since I'm not too sleepy I thought I’d try to keep up my daily missive. I am just 23, since it is now really March 28th. Funny, I don't feel any different. I looked pretty nice this evening, even if I have to say so myself. I am wearing my coral and black dress (one of my two newest ones) and black doeskin shoes, (all closed and cut in D'orsay style - they are Ruth's and she agreed to sell them to me this very evening) I have a black velvet ribbon in my hair and my hair is very long and full and piled high on top. I wish I felt as well as I look at the minute and I would if I had more rest.

Adele did have some effects from the scarlet fever injection because she threw up after dinner this evening. The spot where the needle was injected is inflamed, but it hasn't affected the use of her arm any. I bathed her and washed her hair before going to the shower. I bought Marie a white porcelain step-on garbage can, which I got at our place for $2. She liked the gift very much and seemed very pleased with it.

My dad took Adele's stroller apart today and Mr. Bellet is having the body of the stroller sent back to the factory for repairs. The carriage would be useless as it is and there was nothing else he could do, much as he tried to squirm out of it. He's really a bugger when he gets started, but he can't do much when I get started.

I finished knitting the back of Adele's fuschia and gray sweater and stopped at the yarn shop before going to work to get my instructions for the front and sleeves. The wool I'm using is very fine and it takes hours to do a few inches. However it will be a serviceable sweater and won't show the dirt as much as those she has now.

Undoubtedly you, too, heard the so-called peace rumors that floated about today. Oh, darling, just the thought that it will actually end and soon is enough to give one a zest for life! As I said to Anne, "Wouldn't it be wonderful if it did happen on my birthday". It would be wonderful any day and the sooner the better.

I must take my leave for now, sweetness, as I'm getting wearier by the minute and want very much to get to bed. How I wish I had your strong arms to hold me close and your sweet lips to caress and kiss me! Oh darling -

I adore you so much -

Your Eve

Post #615 - March 26, 1945 I Phoned Dr. Gayl and Took Adele Right Down for Her First Scarlet Fever Shot and Somehow I Feel Guilty that I Should Be the Cause of Your Driving Yourself to Write Under Those Prohibitive Conditions

 

3/26/45 

My dearest Phil,

I have so much to say this evening and so little time and space. Three "wonderful" things happened to me today - your package of Dorothy Gray toilet articles arrived along with your letters of March 16 and 19. Mom called me at work to tell me about the package and we were all sure it was the doll. I was as excited as could be till I got to it. It comes in a light pink and big box with an enormous fuschia colored ribbon on top. It contains a bottle of bath oil (I don't even know how or what it's used for) a large box of dusting powder with a real glass top and a bottle of cologne. It's really lovely and I wish very much that I could kiss you instead of thank you - I’d enjoy it that much more. I'm not going to use it, though, until you come home and can help me enjoy it. Your letter of the 16th was in answer to my v-mail, decrying the lack of mail. I'm so glad you didn't "fly" at me for being so disgusted and you know as well as I do that I don't mean to hurt you. I just couldn't help feeling so terribly let-down. I'm sure you yourself can see how differently I sound when I receive mail regularly. Your v-mail of the 19th told of your visit to the Marks’ and I shall look forward to your letter of the 19th, which, no doubt, tells more of your visit with Bert and Evelyn. Yep, you sure is stubborn about the gee-gaw, but I don't mind waiting for that in the least. As you must have guessed, your birthday gift arrived almost to the day. At least your timing is better than mine. I had a very full day at work. Adele woke me twice last night and I wasn't too rested. Immediately after work I phoned Dr. Gayl and took Adele right down for her first scarlet fever shot (I'll bet you thought I'd never get around to it) (I had run into Mrs. Gayl on Saturday and told her I was about to give Adele the injections). Adele and I took the bus to Broad and Allegheny where the doctor has his office at present and got there in no time. Adele behaved like a regular young lady (she was a bit leery about entering his office at first) and when the doctor walked into the waiting room, said, "You must be the doctor." Adele weighs 34 lbs. is 37-1/2 inches tall and has very big tonsils that will have to come out in the fall or next spring. I hope, baby, that you will be home by that time so that we can both take her to the hospital. It's quite an ordeal and I hate to go through it alone. If I have to, I'll have to—I attracted her attention and before she knew what had happened the injection was finished. He gave me chocolate aspirins and told me to give her bicarb with boiled water (after the third shot) as they tend to become feverish and want to vomit. I’ll be very happy when this business is all over. There are generally five shots, but they increase them to seven (giving smaller doses towards the end) depending on how the child reacts. I had the doctor weigh me and I weigh 116-1/2, which he said isn't too bad for me. When we were riding home on the bus Adele said, "Him's a bad boy, him put a needle in my arm." I put Adele to bed, washed her clothes, cleaned her shoes and even sewed her overalls. Now I'm just about finished with this and "finished" for the night. I'm sure you won't mind if I cut this short??? by saying "I love you, Phil, darling" and, as if you didn't know, I miss you so much! Imagine, I'll be 23 - gosh, I'm getting up there, too. Good night, angel, and thanks so much for your devotion and love. It makes life bright for

Your Eve

26 March 1945 

My Darling,

Three of your v-mails arrived this afternoon, but they were little more than notes, which said more eloquently than any words, that you were not so much concerned with telling me anything  as you were with getting a letter in the mail to me each day. It was easy for me to sense that you had little patience for writing on those days the, 15th, 17th, & 18th, even if you hadn't told me the reason, Sweetheart. It is to your very great credit then, honey, that you did write, and I want you to know that I'm grateful for what must have been a hard effort for you on my account. Somehow I feel guilty that I should be the cause of your driving yourself to write under those prohibitive conditions. Please, baby, spare yourself the next time, will you? I’ll understand.

Last night, I saw "Tree Grows in Brooklyn” and was very disappointed that the picture covers only a portion of the story in the book. I told you in yesterday's letter that I meant to start a letter to Mom when I came back from the show, but I was very tired and drowsy when I returned to the hut and hit the sack straightaway. I feel the same way tonight, although I can’t imagine why I should. Guess Mom's letter will have to wait a more favorable opportunity. Tell her I’m thinking of her, will you, baby? "

The weather has turned bad again, and I’ve been gadding about in the rain a good bit today. Seems like my spirits depend a good deal on whether the sun shines or not.

I’ll write a “real” letter tomorrow, Ev darling, and will enclose the proofs. My love for you grows and grows, my own, and sometimes I wonder where I’ll hold it all. Kiss my punkin for me. God bless you both. Love to all.

Lovingly,

Your Phil

Post #614 - March 24, 25, 1945 I Only Wish We'd Both Come to Life Inside Once More and I Even Made a Bet as to the Date of V-Day

 

March 25, 1945

Dearest Phil:

Adele did not go to sleep until after ten last night and I never got to bed till twelve. I was sure Adele would sleep later this morning and allow me to get some sleep - but evidentally she doesn't think I need any. She was up like a bat out of a cannon, at 7 sharp and rarin' to go. If only you were here and could take her off my hands at these times - I'd certainly appreciate being able to sleep - just one single morning. I can't seem to remember ever lying abed until I felt like getting up - what's it like? I know you don't do it often, but at least you get the opportunity to do it once in a while. If you think the Army with its rulings and enforcements is bad, mister, you ought to try being a mother - any and everything goes and then some.

I decided not to nap her so that she would go to bed early and give me at least one evening to myself. So - I ran around with her all day long and tired myself out but good. I had promised Mom we would clean the venetian blinds downstairs today, and brought Adele in about 3:30 and let her play her on the porch while we busied ourselves with the blinds. It was 5:30 when we finished. Adele had her dinner and went straight to bed. She wouldn't go to sleep for quite a while, but she's sleeping now and I'm so thankful to have a little time to myself.

Emma Strongin called us late in the afternoon to tell us that she is leaving for California this evening to join Phil. It's possible that Phil may go overseas and she wants to be with him as much as possible if such is the case.

The news sounds wonderful, in fact I sometimes have to pinch myself to make it seem true. Do you mean to tell me, sweet, that this war might be over soon? Incredible! After waiting so long, I've come to a point where I don't believe anything unless I see it with my own two eyes and I won't even believe that it is over until my eyes can gaze upon you.

I'm sorry, sweet, that I haven't had time to write to the Davies’ as you requested, and will try to do so in the near future. Adele keeps me stepping at such a fast pace when I am home these days that I have very little taste for letter-writing or anything that requires concentration. I noted, in your 22 page letter that you gave Mr. Edwards my mother's telephone number (Mic. 8207) and not our telephone number, which, in case you'd forgotten, is Dav. 2612.

Really, honey, I should take myself out tonight for some entertainment and relaxation, but I'm much too tired to stray from the house. It's two weeks since I've been out an evening and this continual staying in does me a whole lot of no good. I noted in your last batch of letters that you seem to make the most of each evening, by going to the movies, weekly dance or whatever comes your way. I enjoy reading your accounts of each because it makes up in part for the times I have to stay in. I usually relax in the living room for a little while before hitting the hay and read and reread your letters. I've reread your 22 pager many, many times. It's almost a book. I do hope someday you'll try to write a book. I know you have the talent (even though you think I'm prejudiced} and I assure you I am not, in that respect, as numerous others share my opinion.

Spring shone forth in all its glory and brought everyone out on their porches and steps. It's good to see the world come to life again, after a bitter cold winter. I only wish we'd both come to life inside once more -

I adore you, darling, and want very much to continue on this, however I must get a card to send to Stuart (today is his first birthday) and will post this at the same time. Good night, baby, and I pray I shall not have to say it through this medium much longer.

Your Eve

25 March 1945

Dearest Evie,

There was no fresh mail for me today, and because it has been no different than most days, I don’t have anything much to write about. I was reading over your letter of 28 Feb. that accompanied the proofs of the punkin and noticed that I had failed to tell you which post to have made up for me. Hence I am submitting my order forthwith: One (1) 5 x 7 (sitting pose), colored—of course! I’m awaiting the other picture (of Adele writing on the blackboard) with the greatest impatience. Glad you got out to the movies, for a change, to see “Frenchman’s Creek” with Eddie. What is Eddie doing these days, incidentally, still taking it easy? This evening I’m going to see “Tree Grows in Brooklyn” at the base theater. I’m looking forward to it with a great deal of pleasurable anticipation, ’cause if it’s anything like the book, it should be a “smasher” (as Bert might say). I’m going to try to catch the first showing so that I’ll have an hour or two afterward to start a letter to Mom.

The news from Germany gets more encouraging daily. I even made a bet as to the date of V-day. I can’t tell you the date, Sweet, but I can say that I’m getting odds of 2-1, so you can gather from that that I didn’t guess too far into the future—

Forgot to tell you, honey, that your rather long air-mail letter of 13 March arrived yesterday. There was nothing about it that required any answering, since you filled almost the entire two typed pages with the descriptions of Ruth’s new dresses and your new jumper. The letter is remarkable, though, for the speedy trip it made. Eleven days for an air-mail letter is very good time, I think.

By the way, Chippie, if you are missing letters for 20 and 24 March just be patient a little longer, ’cause it’s a longie in a blue envelope, and may be slow getting thru. I started it on the 20th, and finished it on CQ last night. I’m anxiously awaiting your reply to the installment of the 24th, so give what I said a lot of thought before you attempt to answer it. Kiss Adele for me. Love to all. I love you, my Eve.

Your Phil

Post #613 - March 23, 1945 Adele is Sporting Half of a Red Sunburned Face and The Punkin, I Must Admit, Proved a Great Surprise to Me

 

3/23/45

3/24/45

Dearest Phil,

As you may have noted by the dateline, I attempted to get this off to you yesterday, but, as the fates would have it, I did not get the opportunity to write at all. Adele kept me busy until the wee hours and I was too exhausted to as much as think of writing. Today I received your v-mail of 15/Mar and thanks so much for the early birthday wishes. I'm kind of tired again this evening. It’s very late and I have the time of my young life getting our daughter to sleep. There simply is no sleep in her. She went to bed (she was in bed at 8:30) and actually went to sleep about 10:30. This morning, after interrupting me once during the night, she was up at 7:45. She hardly slept during the day, but I'll be darn if she’d go to bed this evening. It's just about 10 now and she's just dozing off. When I got back from work I got her carriage and Fay and Ruth (the girl who lives with her now) took their kids and we walked to Broad St. I had Adele out all afternoon, hoping the fresh air would aid in promoting sleep - oh yeh - all I did was tire myself. I'm exhausted, but she’s just loaded with pep. Wish she'd give me some - I could do with a little extra.

My dad has been bringing me in a chocolate square with raisins in it as a dessert after lunch and it was so good that I prevailed upon him to get me a whole box for you. Consequently, he recently purchased a box of 24 bars, and was fortunate in getting a large Hershey bar. I'm trying to accumulate some chiclets and just as soon as I have a fair sized package it will go off.

It might interest you to know that I deposited the $10 gift from Seymour to our account and bought a $25 bond this month. Anne, (the bookkeeper) used to work for a beauty concern, and got me a whole pint of creme shampoo that only the beauty shops use, at the wholesale price of $1.50. It has lovely perfumy smell and I’ve started to use shampoo instead of soap, as formerly, on Adele’s hair. It's really good stuff and I love the odor. When I wash Adele’s hair with, it she says, "Mommy, it smells like perfume," Did I tell you that Adele understands quite a bit of Jewish? Well, she does.

Anne Presti called me yesterday morning and invited me to a shower to be held on Tuesday night for Marie. I haven't decided whether or not I'll attend, but in all likelihood I will.

Mr. Chase (Brighten Beach) had a heart attack and the doctor has confined him to his bed for the time being. Ethel and Al are going into New York by train tomorrow to pay him a visit. He hasn't been feeling so good of Iate.

Stuart will be a year old on Monday - doesn't the time fly? Haven't decided what I'll give him as a birthday gift.

The weather was beautiful today. My mom had Adele outside all morning and let her nap in the stroller. Adele was in the sun and my mom didn't realize how warm the sun was - so Adele is sporting half of a red sunburned face.

I'm going to wash my air, knit little bit (I don't think I’ll ever finish Adele's sweater in time for the Spring season) and hit the hay. In fact I may just skip everything and hit the hay, cause I'm very sleepy.

So it is that a very sleepy "dirl" says "good night" to her “boy” and tells him, oh so tenderly, that she loves him deeply and wants him to be close to

Your Eve

23 March 1945

Darling Eve,

Just got back from the Aero Club, where, together with Klein, Bloom, Weinstein, I enjoyed a real American feast many thanks to that swell package I received from you the other day. Klein wangled a dozen eggs from a farmer, so while he fried the salami, I beat up the eggs to fry with it. Then we mixed the tuna with the mayonnaise, sliced the cheese, got 24 pieces of buttered bread, put it all on plates, and settled down to a real feed. We all certainly enjoyed it, Chippie, and I know you would have been repaid the trouble and expense you went to in preparing and mailing the package, could you have seen how we relished the meal!

This afternoon, at last, your letter containing the proofs of the punkin arrived. How can I describe what I felt when I looked at the sweet images of my very own daughter? Even in the pictures, she is so utterly appealing, that I felt a sense of frustration because I couldn't hold her my arms. God, how I long for the day when I shall be able to do so! The pictures themselves are lovely beyond my fondest expectations. I too, prefer the sitting pose, but some of the fellows favor the other. However, they are both very good pictures, and I can hardly wait to see the finished article. The punkin, I must admit, proved a great surprise to me. I expected her to be big, and cute, but not that big, or so very adorable! You're doing a great job of raising her, Sweet, and don't think that I've forgotten it for a minute. I'm so very proud of both my Chippies. I have only one complaint, if you'll permit me, and that is that you didn't take heed of my wishes, and neglected to have your own photo made.

I'm still working on the longie of 20 Mar., darling, but I expect to have it finished by tomorrow. I'll send the proofs back then.

Thanks, again, honey, for everything—Kiss my precious punkin for me—very thoroughly, and know that I will be envying you each kiss. I adore you both, my adorable girls—Love to all

Your devoted Phil

Post #612 - March 22, 1945 I Keep Wondering, Almost Constantly Whether or Not I Shall See You in ’45 and Everything Looks So Calm and Peaceful, That It Strikes Me as a Distinct Paradox That War Planes are Droning in the Sky

 

March 22, 1945

My darling,

There was no mail today and since I haven’t much to say anyway, I’m going to write instead of going over to 4920 to type. I did receive an invitation to Marie Presti’s wedding, which is to take place March 31st at the church at 5th & Lindley, and hope to be able to attend. It rained all day and was generally miserable. I had a very full day at work and accomplished all I had set out to do.  As I contemplate the date it seems to me that the first quarter of ’45 has literally flown. I keep wondering, almost constantly whether or not I shall see you in ’45. If the war does not end very shortly I shall give up hope of seeing you this year. Darling, I miss you so terribly much—sometimes I feel that if I don’t see you soon I’ll simply die. Adele awoke early, after a quiet night (for a change) with this remark, “Mommy, it’s raining. It’s pouring!” Each night she talks to your picture and asks you how you are & when you’re coming home. We both love you so much!

Your Eve

22 March 1945

My Sweet,

Just finished another full day at work, and thought I’d take the tail end of it to get off my daily letter to  you. The weather today is downright wonderful. Everything looks so calm and peaceful, that it strikes me as a distinct paradox that war planes are droning in the sky. However, there is a general feeling that the hum won’t last much longer. The English papers are saying that the next big battle will be the last one. To be perfectly frank, baby, if it weren’t for the fact that a good many of us are slated for the Pacific Theater (no one knows who, or how many of us yet), I would be a pretty happy guy. Right now, I, and many others in my situation, am hoping that we’ll be able to see some time at home first, if we are going to the Pacific. The Secretary of War, Mr. Stinson (just by way of building up our morale, I suppose) has stated that the great majority of men now in the ETO will, after Germany collapses, see action against Japan, and that some units will go direct from here to the Pacific Theater. So you see, Chippie, the prospect is none too bright. I wonder how you feel when you read such statements, and I also question the wisdom of making such statements for the service men to read. It strikes me as very strange that the gov’t. should spend millions of dollars on “special services” in their well-meant and well-appreciated efforts to maintain high morale in the services—and then undo all their good work with a small paragraph in the papers by our esteemed Secretary or some other high official. To top it off, the “high officials,” who should know what is in the offing, often come out with statements that contradict each other. I’ve been in the Army too long now to be influenced too thoroughly by what anyone says, but I deplore the fact that you have to read such depressing stuff, my darling. I can just imagine how bitter you must feel about it all—However, Sweet, there is always the consoling thought that things will, in actuality, work out better than those in high places would have you believe. They have been wrong so many times, that I no longer place any faith in any statements pertaining to the future—no matter how authoritative the source. Just continue to be patient and brave, my lovely, and, whatever happens, place your utmost faith in the eventual safe return of the guy who adores you,

Your Phil

P.S. My best love to the punkin—and all.

Post #611 - March 21, 1945 Sylvia's Mother was Mom’s Next Door Neighbor 28 Years Ago and Everything Looks and Smells So Appetizing That I Can Hardly Restrain Myself from Sampling It

 

3/21/45

My sweet:

There were two pieces of mail for me today - your v-mail of 14/Mar and Milt's letter of 13/Mar. You ask one question - what my reaction is when Adele does something cute or smart. Frankly, honey, there isn't much of any reaction. I simply look upon her and wonder how anything like it could come from such a little person, that’s all. She's constantly surprising me with her remarks. The other morning Harry was teasing Diana with a piece of bread, and Adele remarked: "Stop teasing her, Harry,” which made us all laugh. She was so deadly serious when she said it that you couldn't help laughing.

I feel much better today than I've felt for almost a week and I’m going to do my very best to get to bed as early as possible. I was so dead tired when I got to bed last night that I couldn't sleep. All this week I've been getting into work later than usual and so far this week Mr. Bellet hasn't been in. He had a cold and his brother, who is a doctor, suggested that he rest up for a few days. He may stay out the entire week, which is extra special good news for all of his employees. Perhaps he does not realize it, but he's giving our nerves a rest, too. He asked me to stop over to the house this evening so that he could go over the day's work with me and I'm going over there for a little while when I finish this.

Instead of the terrific heat, which had been prevalent for the past few days, we had rain all day and it became much cooler, just as the weatherman predicted. So - it was back to the snowsuit and sleepers for Adele. Only last night I had changed her to seersucker pajamas! What goofy weather!

You've heard me speak of Milt's girlfriend Sylvia several times. Well, mom happened to remember the other evening that Sylvia's mother was her next door neighbor 28 years ago when she (mom) lived on Cantrell Street, shortly after coming to this country. Did I hear you say something about this being a small world? By the way, the Brown’s car burned in a fire that took place at the garage where the car is kept. Luckily the car is insured and the only good thing left is the motor. I don't know what they will do about it. It doesn't pay to have it fixed these days. If I were them I'd get what I could and save it to buy another car after the war. They haven't heard from Syd for almost two weeks, so they presume he's returned overseas. He was stationed somewhere in Virginia last they heard from him.

It's a pleasure to receive mail so regularly from you, sweet, and all I can say is to keep up the good work. Some day I hope to catch up on my movies, just as you seem to be doing now. I believe you've seen at least 50 to my one - no kiddin'. I can't even remember the titles of the pictures you see, as most of them are not familiar to me. Seems like I've sort of lost track of movies, somehow. Good night for now, baby, I'm so hungry for you and I'd like very much to hold you very close and tell you just once more what I’ve been telling you all these years - that I adore you, my dearest one.

Your Eve

21 March 1945

Darling Chippie,

Today, the first day of Spring, was a model of what a real Spring day should be. The sun shone in a cloudless sky, and the fresh breeze was laden with the fragrance of green, growing things. However, I wasn’t free to take a long ride thru the country-side, or play ball, or do any of the things that such a day makes you want to do. I had plenty to do in the Orderly Room, and was kept busy all day. This evening, in the line of relaxation, I had a choice between the movies or the dance (or both, if I wanted to skip writing tonight), so I decided to make the first show, which would leave me time to write. Trouble is, I received no mail today, and after telling you all the latest news in yesterday’s letter, I hardly know what to write about—I haven’t started on the package of food yet. I’m contemplating taking it in with me next time I visit Bert and Evelyn. Everything looks and smells so appetizing that I can hardly restrain myself from sampling it.—Wonder if it would be too much to ask you to send another just like it? Don't bother with the cigarettes—I get all I need, and don’t
go too far out of your way for candy, either, honey. You might “double up” on any of the other items that, possibly, you can procure easily.

Well, honey, what else can I tell you tonight? Any small talk I may be able to dream up would give you an entirely erroneous impression of what I am really thinking and feeling, but since you must know pretty well by now what goes on in my heart and mind, I won't repeat it in the limited space that's left. After all—if I told you that there isn’t, and never could be, any other girl in the world for me, or that I think you the loveliest, sweetest, dearest wife a fellow could have, or that I’m very, very proud to be your husband, it would only be a repetition of what I have said many times in the past,—so I won’t say it! But I do love you, Ev, so much!

Your Phil