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..
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.
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.
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!
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.
I’m keeping my promise and will single space, though it is rather late and I don't think I have that much to say. I just finished putting Adele to sleep and it is almost ten o'clock. I kept my appointment with the eye doctor and this is his conclusion - my left eye is rather poor, my right - fairly good. I have astigmatism, (my left eye is not properly developed) and I only need glasses for reading, typing, movies or the such. The whole deal will cost me exactly $13.00. I selected my glasses and they are not rimless or octagon shaped as I think you like. He advised me to get the bone rims, as they hold up better than anything else. They are plain pink toned bone rim classes with a nice shape. I selected them mostly because they fitted me best over the bridge of my nose. I never could stand having anything rest against the bridge of my nose, but he told me I will get used to it in due time. He also warned that I may have headaches from the glasses at first. I have another appointment on Friday, when he will give me another examination, as today. He is giving me this other examination, as he doesn't want to give me drops, for he doesn't think I need them. The second examination is merely a check on the first one. I should have my glasses by next weekend. I finally "dood it". I think Mom Is going to go along with me and have her eyes examined, too.
So much for the eyes. I called Dot just before starting this and she is leaving tomorrow. She will stay with Snuff indefinitely. Her trip is costing her $66 and she is taking $150 with her. Another correspondent. I told her to hurry up back, cause I'd like to have a few telephone correspondents.
By the way, Dr. Freed knows Uncle Sam for many years. I forgot to Inquire just how, but it could be that Unc had his classes made there.
I had to Interrupt this just long enough to answer the door. When I got there I found Mrs. First, who asked me to come right over to her house for a few minutes, as Mr. First needed me to do a bit of typing. It turned out that Mr. First had sold a house and wanted me to type up the agreement, lease and another necessary paper. It took me just a few minutes to type the whole works and he gave me $1 for my work. I also acted as a witness to the sale. Not bad, eh?
I just happened to think, I'm telling you what I did this evening and I may be short of words tomorrow. Oh well, tomorrow is another day and I’ll probably think of something else to say. The news continues good and everyone hopes it will be over in ’44. I hope so, though I am a bit doubtful about it.
My appetite has improved vastly and the pills seem to be a help in giving me added energy. My appetite always improves about this time of year anyway, so I should be gaining a little weight. I see I'm just about out of space, so, honey, I'll just say I love you dearly and call it a letter.
Yesterday I was at a loss for (got it right that time) words, but today I've got so much to say I don't rightly know where to start.
Immediately after I mailed your letter Dot called to inform me that she is joining Snuff for a short while, alone. They have cut his basic training from 17 to 6 weeks and the camp is closing up. He expects to ship out to Ft. Lewis, Washington state and perhaps overseas from there and wants her to be near 'him, while it is at all possible. She expects to leave tomorrow or Thursday. Yes, Jack N. got his basic at Claiborne, but I understand Snuff's outfit gets tough training and it beats the basic training handed the Infantry. He is in the Engineers and there isn't a doubt about it.
I'm sorry I forgot to tell you that Sy's ship is a battleship. He isn't thrilled about the “traveling and seeing the world idea” as you seem to think he would be. He told me he was "so happy" to leave camp and "hates like the devil to go back". He also said that anyone who likes either the Army or Navy is "plain nuts".
As soon as I finished getting Adele bathed and into bed the doorbell rang and in walked Mollie and Pearl and Clara Wagman. Yes, sweet, I finally am taking my vitamin pills as Clara was good enough to bring them along. We all chatted (and got very much on Harry’s nerves ) until about 11. Clara says that anyone who comes back to S & D is crazy. She thinks, by the way, that Donald Weitzel (is that his name) (the guy who has your job) is being groomed to take Mr. Farron’s place. I never did ask you about it, sweet, but do you think you might go back to S & D?
I notified her of the change in your address. She asked me to suggest what I thought you would like to have in your package. The only things I could think of were the yellow bole pipe and razor blades. I'm sorry. I didn't ask you what you would have liked to have previously. By the way, sweet, is there anything in particular that you would like to have this Xmas, beside, of course, home and family. I hadn't given any serious thought to a Xmas package, preferring to send along packages whenever I think you need something.
I promised to call Clara when I received a letter from you concerning her relationship to the Reisners. She said she didn't recognize me. I was wearing my hair in a different style other than she remembered.
I got to bed rather late, but didn't mind, cause I had had plenty of sleep the night previous. By the way, and before I forget, my mother also received her bond and by this time you must know that she finally managed to get a letter off to you.
Today brought me your two exceptionally long and especially welcome letters of Sept. 25 and 26, along with my check. It was raining this morning and I left early, wanting to buy the Charles of the Ritz powder I told you about yesterday. I caught the post man as I was taking Adele over to my mother's and had to keep your letters in my bag til I got on the subway. Then I eagerly tore them open and proceeded to read quickly. Then I reread and re-reread. I managed to do the first two on my trip down and the third on my way home. I'm glad you finally decided to try to "click" with your short story and I'm not any the less proud of you for failing. You must know by now that I'm not that easily disappointed. I don't give a hang if your stories are rejected a hundred times. It will give you valuable experience and make you work harder for perfection. I'm right with you, baby, and I'm sure you've got what it takes to make the grade. Just keep writing! I like your attitude concerning the whole thing. In fact, here's a big kiss for trying.
I managed to get into town just in time to have the girl mix the powder for me. She looked closely at my skin and advised me to give my skin a pore treatment with their special cream and skin freshener. I can't make the whole outlay at the moment, but I fully intend to get the other articles and try to get my skin into really good shape. I love the smell of the powder. I'd particularly like to have a bottle of perfume, for it must be ages since I wore perfume or even toilet water, of their brand. They have a toilet water called Spring Rain, which ought to be very nice. I shall get all their items gradually. This was the first time I spent $1.20 for a box of face powder, but it should last me quite a while. I wish you could see how they mix the powder. She has a whole tray with various jars of ingredients of all colors, such as purple, green, blue, brown, orange, etc. and you would never think they would blend into regular face powder, but they do.
I got into work at 11:15 and had a fairly busy day. Mom went into town with Theresa today and bought herself a complete new outfit. She got the following: A black coat, trimmed with Persian Lamb (I haven't seen it yet, as she told them to send it) for $60.00, a pair of black suede and patent trimmed shoes - $10.95, a black hat, small, but nice, and two dresses - a grey sports dress, button-down-the-front for $8.95 and a dressy black dress with a fuschia top and black sequins at $13,95. Mom now wears a size 18-1/2 dress, so that ought to give you an idea of how much weight she has lost. Don't get me wrong, honey, she is far from being thin, but nevertheless, she is much thinner than I ever remember seeing her. I hope to follow suit and get a complete outfit for myself. If I don’t get myself some other clothes I'll wear this suit out. Now I know how you feel wearing the same suit day in and day out.
And last, but not least, I made an appointment with the eye doctor, whose name happens to be Dr. Freed and he is located at Old York Rd. and Ruscomb Sts. on York Rd. for tomorrow evening between 7:30 and 8. In case I do need glasses and I'm fairly sure I do, what sort of shaped glasses should I get? I sort of remember you liking octagon shaped glasses, rimless. I only intend to use the glasses for reading, knitting and at work, when I'm typing.
That just about brings me up to date, except for the fact that I called Lil to notify her of your change of address and learned that she had sent you a large package. You're not supposed to know it, but I'm telling you just the same so that you might not hold your grudge or doubtful feelings toward her. If guess that's her way of replying.
One more thing - we had a letter from Gloria today. She received a $10 monthly raise, and was disappointed with it, having expected a larger raise. She's pretty busy these days, what with work and school taking up most of her time.
And now to answer some of your questions. If you tickle Adele she'll yell "top eet" and then "more". As concerns my question about whether or not I should quit work before you come home, I merely asked to get an idea of what you thought on the subject, My mother will care for Adele if I decide to work for a while even after you come back - til we get on a settled financial footing. It was really a silly question, as things are so unsettled that it is hard to decide anything definite, but I just wanted to talk about it. I want you to get started on the right foot this time and if my working will help us to that end, then I'll continue to work for a while. I'm going to buy a $50 bond this month with my check, as I said I would, so that we'll have the total I quoted - $1025. Do you know, Sweet, that one of our bonds is over 2-1/2 years old? It was the first one we got through the weekly deductions of your pay. I hope we'll not have to cash it til it matures. So, actually we have approximately $770 cash by way of the bonds and our bank account stands at $150, which, in case you didn't know it, brings us mighty close to having that $1000 in cash I hoped to attain. I'm sure we'll pass that figure before the year is out, don't you? Gosh, sweet, I just can't believe it. It just goes to prove that a systematic savings account brings good results, no matter how small the amount saved. You seemed a little hazy on our finances, so I hope I've enlightened you.
I promise not to double space again - nuff said?
I'm glad you had the opportunity to relax, though I understand the children gave you little peace. I often wonder how you'd react to some of Adele's habits. Sometimes when I think she is about to fall or bumps her head or gets into a tight spot I become very jumpy. It is these times, especially when I wonder what your reaction would be.
I'm sorry you don't like the ringlets, but I didn't have the opportunity to comb them out properly before taking the snaps. Those panties of Adele's that annoyed you couldn't be helped. The elastic in the panties today is just as good as nothing at all and in this case the elastic broke. So you see, sweet, it couldn't be helped. It rarely happens. I'm anxious to get on a scale to see how much I've gained. I think I've gained back most of the weight I lost and perhaps a little to boot.
I called the Gas Company, as we must have heat now. It will be a few days before the man gets around to us, It rained all day and the house is damp. I skipped Adele's bath tonight for the first time in months. I've also been calling about her corrective shoes, but just can't get them. I'm really at my wit's end - it's a big pain in the ear as far as I'm concerned. I can understand cutting down on other items of apparel but baby's shoes are so necessary that it seems a little ridiculous that a mother has to go through so much to get one lousy pair of shoes. (I'm getting mad in case you hadn't noticed).
As far as I know Harry is still jobless. My folks. had a nice letter from Eddie today, their first letter in a month. I haven't read it yet, but I understand it's the nicest one he's written to date. Have you heard from him lately?
Sat. night when I got the ride downtown with Fay's mother (who is employed by the gov't, making soldiers clothes) she told me that the Army has cancelled all orders for the old type of jacket, and have copied the British style, except for a few small changes, for it is neater and saves material. I mention this only cause you said something about buying a British jacket in a previous letter, due to the fact that it was neater.
And now, sweet, I think it high time I told you that I adore you beyond words, that I miss you keenly and I want you very much, Baby -
Your Eve
P.S. Excuse the errors - I’m kinda sleepy -
3 October 1944
Dearest Darling,
Seems like there is always something popping up to prevent my writing to you every day. Believe me, Sweet, it is not my intention to write every other day. I would want to write each and every day, but I’m afraid I have fallen far short of the mark. Last night, just as it was getting ready to write, there was a power failure and we didn't have lights for the rest of the night, so I did it any sensible thing under the circumstances. I went to bed.
Day before yesterday, after I finished my letter to you, I wrote to Eddie and Harry W. to ask them if they could let me know where they are so that I may visit them about the end of this month, when, if nothing prevents, t expect to take a furlough.
Yesterday, after another busy day at the office, I rode down to the base theater, where “Rose Marie” was supposed to be showing only to find that there was no show owing to mechanical difficulties. Your nice long letter of 18 Sep. arrived in the afternoon and I’m still reading certain parts of it over and over again.
Today, after a most exasperating day (because I got nothing done in spite of my best efforts), your mail of 25 Sep/44 arrived to lighten my spirits. First, I'll answer the “longie”.
You tell about Shirley's visit, describing her as the (one you thought was so chesty in a snap with Harry and Goldie". Sorry honey, I haven't any recollection whatever of her. Wonder what you gabbed about 'til 1:30 in the A.M.?
Then you talk about going in town with Goldie and Shirley to see “Janie”. Glad you liked it, Sweet. I haven't seen it yet, but am looking forward to seeing it. From what you say about recalling certain memories in connection with Broad & Chestnut and later, over that chocolate sundae, and who knows how many more references you made to me, Goldie and Shirley must have been pretty well fed up with you. But as long as you had a good time, Baby, I don't care if you bored them to death.
What's all the mystery about Myra and Lil - and why can’t you talk about it? [At this point I interrupted my writing long enough to ride down to the mess-hall to have supper.] You might be interested in the kind of meals the Army is feeding us these days. Anything to fill up space!) – Anyway, supper consisted of the following: Three hot-dogs (I can see you grinning already, but wait!), potatoes in jackets, pickled beets and onions, carrots & raisins (not for me), catsup, bread, peanut butter, cocoa - and butterscotch ice cream - and because they were almost through feeding when I got there and had plenty, I had two portions, which was damn near a quart. Outside of that, I didn't eat a thing! Dinner wasn't anything to brag about. Just a big, tender steak, lyonnaise potatoes, string beans, b & b, peanut butter, coffee and cherry cobbler. So you can easily understand, Chippie, why am just wasting away - oh yeah!! If you think that is too much food for one day, just consider the gluttons that also eat breakfast! Now, where was I?
Here we are. Your story about Adele and the soldier was real cute. But if she should slip up and say “uh-uh" to me, I think i'd die - no kiddin'!
Poor Dottie! I feel for her - I really do, and I’m darned if I'd discourage her from going to Snuff and staying with him wherever he goes. On the other hand, she had better look to Hal's welfare first and foremost when she's making plans in that direction. If Snuff is against the idea - and I can imagine a reason or two why he might be - then she should stick it out for the time being where she is until Snuffy can no longer bear it without her. You may not agree, Chippie, for a number of reasons, and the foregoing is strictly between you and me, but that is my opinion - and I'll stick to it. Don't compare their situation with ours, Sweet. There are more points of variance than you would imagine - off-handi
Say hello to our new neighbors for me. You say they are “very nice". That's good enough for me.
Your recollection of Sep 18/41 brought many tender memories crowding. It was easily one of the happiest days of my life, and I'll never forget a minute of it. Like you, Baby, I am looking forward eagerly to a repetition of that glorious day of homecoming and re-union. Only this time it will be a thousand times sweeter. I'm sure I don't. have to enumerate the reasons for your benefit!
I know it isn't right to say so, but the picture you draw of the punkin being “fresh"; sticking her nose up in the air and saying "a very definite ‘no’” is infinitely appealing to me. I'm very much afraid that were I there to see it, I would kiss her for it instead of spanking her. Don't ask me why and stop muttering “what a pop you'll make!"
Thanks, Chippie, for Rae's regards, and give her my love next time you see her, and ask her if she and Mickey won't be good enough to drop me a line. By the way, did Stevens go out of business, or not?
You apologize for any technical errors" there may have been in your letter ’cause you "rushed through it,” there were surprisingly few, Chippie, considering - but never fear, I forgive you. Now - ain't that nice of me? How's about a nice, big kiss, huh?
So Sarah painted Adele's finger nails and she reacted like a real woman, eh? Hmmm! Interesting! – and just a bit disturbing, too. Makes me wonder if she'll ever be “my baby” before she gets to be “my little girl"
Your closing paragraph was mighty sweet, sweetheart, and each time I read it I thrill anew. In it you recalled a few incidents that belong exclusively to “us". Thanks for reminding me, honey. Not that I had forgotten - never that! But I hadn't thought about those particular “excitements" lately. Of course, all the things you mention are as vivid in my mind as they were on the “mornings after" - and will be just as vivid and dear to me fifty or a hundred years from now. Your plaintive cry that “the best days of our lives are slipping by unnoticed" draws forth no agreement from me. You're wrong, darling - it's the worst days that are “slipping by” - the best are still to come. Don't doubt. it for a minute! Neither do I feel as you that “this part of our youth is most important”. Chippie, believe me when I say that I am not a day older than I was the day I left you. I neither feel nor look older. Down deep inside me is the conviction that one does not really age (in the sense you mean when you speak of “wasted youth") until one has either ceased to love, or expended his love. Your sympathy on my account is very touching, dearest Evvie, but wholly unwarranted, I assure you.
In closing, let me leave this thought with you, my darling: Youth is more a state of mind than a springy step, a rosy cheek, and a sparkling eye. What price the physical aspects of youth if the heart beats to no harmony or rhythm of love? Conversely, what meaning has the halting step, the sallow check, the lustreless eye of age, if the heart is full of the sweet stuff of love? In a phrase - You are as young as your love. – And how old are you, my dear young lady? Me - I’m a mere babe in arms! Some day, dear wife, I'll prove to you that the above are more than empty phrases and pretty words. - Until then, know that I adore you in all the fullness of my heart.
My love and admiration to my cute and clever punkin. My love to all.
Yesterday, today and in all the tomorrows – Your Phil
I am banging off a few words before dinner, as we are all waiting for Rae, who is to dine with us. I feel kind of knocked out this evening, for the first of the month is always a big day. I look forward to the first, cause that's when my check comes through, but now - I don't know.
I left for work a little earlier this morning, stopping off at Strawbridge and Clothier. I wanted to buy some Charles of the Ritz face powder that is now on sale. It costs $2 per box plus tax and the sale drops the price to $1. If you recall, it is the powder Dot's cousin Gladys wore the night she went out with Syd, you and myself and I complemented her for her sweet odor. A girl at the store mixes up all sorts of stuffs that makes up your shade of powder and I'm most anxious to have she mix a shade of powder for my complexion.
The girl was out to lunch when I arrived and I didn't have enough time left to wait. I'll try to get down there earlier tomorrow morning, as the sale is on all week.
My brother Seymour is a second-class seaman, as he finished his boot training. He gets $64.80 per month now.
I can't think of another solitary thing to say honey, cause I'm hungry and I've got a headache. So, I'll end off now, eat my supper and keep Rae company this evening, after I get Adele to bed.
Harry, by the way, hasn't found anything in the line of a job an talks of going to Poughkeepsie to start a business. We shall see -
In the meantime, darling, baby, I love you ever so much, more every single day. Today is four months I'm working - I never thought it would be that long. I am and always will be
