Post #500 - November 2, 1944 That’s the Kind of Talk I Like to Hear from My Chippie!

 

2 November 1944

Darling Evvie,

Just returned from the base theater, where I saw a show entitled "Take it Easy.” The cast consisted an M.C., a comedian, a slight-of-hand artist, a gal dancer, and a gal who played the accordion and provided all the incidental music for the show. Back in the States, it wouldn't rank with second-rate vaudeville, but we're so hungry for an American gag, some American jive, and a pair of good-looking gams in silk-stockings, that if these requisites are fulfilled - that's all that's necessary - and the performers obliged in all respects.

Today was the kind that I could very well do without - that is, as far as my work and my feelings were concerned. Just about this time every month, everything “gangs- up” on me. Beside having the Company History to worry about, there was also the Soldiers' Deposits, PTT's (money to be sent home), a pay voucher for an officer, and a few other odds and ends, Well, Chippie, I don't mind the work - I rather like it, but it so happened that Sgt. Murphy went on pass this afternoon, and the result was that every time I tried to get something done, the damned phone would ring and I'd have to drop what I was doing to go off and call someone or other to the phone. After this happened about five times, I was fit to be tied. (As Red would say it - “you could have bought me for a nickel"!) The upshot was that I got next to nothing done. However, balm for my wounded spirits arrived in the mail late in the afternoon. There were three V-mails and a letter - all from you, my dearest. As if this weren't enough, there were also two packages. They were the bottles and nipples, and the salt water taffies that Ruthie was good enough to send. (I’m munching on them as I write.) I'll deliver the package to Evelyn next time I go into town, which I think will be tomorrow. Nor have I forgotten my promise to get an 8th Air Corps pin for Ruth. (This is as much as I have time for tonight, Sweet, - I'll continue tomorrow, G’night, Baby.

3 November 1944 

Hello again, darling! Unlike yesterday, I got a lot done today. It was a dreary, muggy day, but I was too busy to mind it. The solitary letter that came thru was dated - 12 Sep! What do you think of that?! This one told me all about how Clara Wagman got in touch with you, about the things that Ruth bought for Adele, and some other items. The letter I received yesterday was dated 20-21 October. The V-mails were those of 25, 26 Oct. and 28 Sep. I'll start with the letter of 20 Oct. You were so concerned with the mail situation at the time, that you hardly had the heart to write about anything else. You even signed off with "Good night, wherever you are". Now, where on earth did you think I was - anyhow?

Your V-mail of 25 Oct consisted of a series of short paragraphs about all and sundry. Very informative, Sweet, but no comment.

Evidently you received my letter of 3 Oct. on the 24th, cause you say in your mail of the 26th that it's two days since it came through. There isn't much in this one, either, that calls for comment, except that you ask if I still think I'll see you in ’44. I think I answered that the other day. I particularly liked your closing sentence, in which you said "I might be impatient for word from you, but I'm doing my best not to let it get me down too much -". That's the kind of talk I like to hear from my Chippie!

Your "oldie" of 28 Sep. (V-mail) contains only two questions that should be answered. You wondered about the change of APO. There was a reason for it, which I don't think I’m at liberty to divulge, but it wasn't the reason you hinted at (as you can plainly see). The other question was about the package being delayed on account of the change of APO. You know by now that it did arrive a couple of weeks late, and I daresay that was the reason.

I guess that's about all for today, honey, so I'll sign off now with all my love to you and the punkin. My love to all.

Always, Your Phil

Post #499 - November 1, 1944 I Have But One Winter Dress and Someday, All Our Empty Todays Will Be Just So Many Memories

 

Nov. 1, 1944

Dearest Phil,

There was no mail yesterday, nor did I write. I had several reasons for not writing, as you shall presently learn.

After work yesterday my dad and I rode up to Marshall St. with George. George had to go to the dentist and since it would take him at least an hour before he could take us home, we decided to go the rest of the way by trolley,

My dad had to pick up some meat and things he had ordered and I decided to look into some dress stores, to see if there was anything worth while. Most of the stores were closed, but as we were passing one place, a little suit caught my eye and I determined to have it. It was the sort of thing I wanted and I figured it would be kind of high.

I saw someone in the store and asked if I couldn't please see the suit in the window. It turned out that it was the last one they had in my size and he agreed to let me try it on. The price, $14.95 wasn't too bad. The suit itself is 100% wool of a very heavy material, on the slightly roughish side (the quality I mean) and it is composed of grey and white checks, red grosgrain ribbon trim and huge silver buttons. The skirt is very plain tailored with a slight flair and two pockets on either sides of the skirt, at the waist. The jacket is a lumberjacket style with long puffed sleeves, red trim that looks like pockets and silver buttons. The outfit can double for either dress or suit, as I choose. At first I thought the sleeves could be longer, but they are comfortable and just about right. It's only the beginning - I need dresses very, very badly. In fact I have but one winter dress - my blue wool with dubbonet velvet trim (I've discarded all the others). I also have my black velvet suit, my sports suit and a black silk skirt, That, sweet, is my entire wardrobe and I don't have to tell you how many things I need to have a half decent wardrobe. Thank God I've got coats and some shoes. Now I need a nice pair of black high heels to accompany the new suit.

I also forgot to mention that Dot called me yesterday to inform me she was back. She got in yesterday. morning and wants me to come out, so she can tell me all about her trip. I've promised her I'll be out on Sat. night.

When I got home Fay called and asked me to go along with her to a Gin Rummy game. I was about to renig, being very tired and then I said to hell with it - I'll go along, She came over to our house and then we went to another girl's house on 4800 N. Ninth. Altogether we were five girls and we were headed for D and the Blvd. We took a cab, each one contributing 15¢. When we arrived we were six altogether - all Army wives, four with children and two pregnant. How's that for a gathering? However, I had the oldish child and hadn't seen my hubby for the longest time. I never played Gin Rummy as it really should be played, but I picked up the game in no time. In the end I lost 20¢. I had a very nice evening, but got to bed about one o’clock,

I've had a terrible time getting to sleep this entire week. Last night I don't recall closing my eyes for even a second. Consequently I'm dead tired this evening. I can never recall losing sleep as I did this past week and I hope that this so-called phase or whatever it is will pass off tonight. I'm very tired when I get to bed, but I can't sleep. Sounds funny, doesn't it? I do know that I “want" you, but I can't say that it's that bad that it is causing loss of sleep for an entire night. It's bad enough, and when I think that I'm a woman (women are supposed to be more self sufficient sexually) I have a pretty good idea of how strong your desire must be. Phil, darling, I'm afraid it's a long way off - and that hurts so much I just want to cry.

I was terribly disappointed at the lack of mail, since Fay had mentioned that mail from her brother (his APO was changed from 637 to 559 also) has been coming through more regularly than ever before. Phil, I haven't the slightest idea of why your mail should be so slow in coming through and it's that more than anything that is annoying me to death. Today is Friday and I haven't had mail since Monday. If I don't get some mail tomorrow I'm going to be in the dumps again. I can't stand these long drawn out sessions of waiting and I have an idea that it is responsible for my loss of sleep. Please, Phil, try to write daily, if only a small letter and keep the mail coming through regularly.

Harry opens the place tomorrow. Etta was due to have her baby on the 1st, but nothing doing yet. - Ought to be some news most any day or even hour.

I'm so tired, honey, that I feel I shall drop. I'm sure you'll understand why I hereby, at this very minute, say I love you, sweet, and a fond good night.

Your Eve

Nov. 1, 1944

Dearest Phil,

I thought I’d try “writing” instead of typing this evening. Jessie is busy typing a letter to her hubby & I thought I’d take advantage of the opportunity to write - for a change.

There was no mail this morning except S & D's check. I'm sending along two more pin up girls that I thought very attractive. We have many of them about on our blotters and I thought you’d enjoy looking at them.

I got into work earlier today, so that I could finish some of the work that had piled up.

l'm strangely at a loss for words, and am trying to dream up something to say. Suppose I talk about Adele - when we come downstairs in the morning she refuses to allow me to help her down the steps. She says “Mommy, yeave me ayone - I’m tomin’” - (that’s exactly how she speaks). Adele likes to tell me stories about the Baby bear, Momma bear & Poppa bear & delights when I tell her a “tory” (story). Adele is a few inches taller than Ricky, who is 11 days older. Yes, she is rather tall for her age.

My check came in the afternoon mail, and as usual, I intend to buy a $50 bond, with the remains of the check. When I receive your Oct. bond and buy the aforementioned bond, we'll have a total of $1100 in bonds - and - mister that ain't hay!

I'm enclosing a circular that the United Gas Co. printed for Harry, as an announcement.

And that just about winds up the news for today. It's costing Harry $512.00 to get started and if the station does not pay he'll get every cent of it back,

Good night, baby, I love you so very much - - - (you should be flattered - this is my second letter to you today) -

Your Eve

1 November 1944

My Darling,

Had to skip writing last night because something came up that kept me busy far into the evening, and when I was through I was too tired to attempt it. It was a very full day for me, and the time fairly flew. Today was another busy one for me. I am CQ tonight, and just because I'm in a letter-writing mood and have plenty of time to get off a "longie* - there wasn't any mail for me today or yesterday. As a consequence, I have very little to write about. My semi-monthly 48-hour pass comes up tomorrow, and I was kinda wondering what to do about it. There are three alternatives and I have yet to make up my mind which one to choose, First, I could go to London, have a Turkish Bath, see all the shows, etc. This would cost me about ₤3 ($12.00). Or, I could spend the time in Colchester visiting with the Dees, Marks, or Woolfs, or all three. I could get by on about 10/ ($2.00) in that case. Or - I could take a ride to Worcester to see Eddie. That would also set me back about ten or twelve dollars. Damn this typewriter! You may wonder why I'm so concerned about money at this time. Well, Chippie, as I told you the other day - I'm completely “busted", so whatever I spend this trip will go under the debit column, and I don't want to go too far into the hole. Of course, it goes without saying that I'd like most of all to go out and see Eddie. The thing that makes me hesitate, though, is that haven't heard from him for so long that I'm not sure that he is still there and I’d hate to make the trip for nothing. However, I'll think it over. Maybe I'll take a chance. I'm really up-a-tree, Sweet about what to do, but I'll make up my mind by tomorrow afternoon - when I leave. What I'd like to do is to take my furlough, visit Eddie for a few days and try to reach Limey to spend a few days with him. But that would require some real capital, so it is out of the question. Even so, if they'd only write and keep me posted as to their whereabouts, so that I could be sure they'd be there when I arrived, I’d do it if I had to borrow my next two months' pay, As it is, I have very little appetite to go scurrying ’way across England - not knowing if they will be at the end of my journey. Oh, well - we'll see!

The enclosed pictures were taken in August on the occasion of our “beer bust" commemorating the anniversary of our arrival in England. I only managed to get my puss into two of the pictures (and I don't look any too good in either), but thought I'd send along the lot - anyway: Just to save you the trouble of looking too hard, I X’ed the back of the two snaps in which I appear. If you could get hold of some film, as I asked you to months ago, I'd try to get some really good snaps for you, Chippie.

There is really very little else I can write about, Sweet. I might say that it is getting colder, that we have rain practically every day and that we're burning wood of an evening in the tiny Nissen huts stoves in order to take some of the chill and dampness out of the place.

Just think, honey - here it is November already! It strikes me as queer that the time seems to go so quickly in spite the fact that I'm so impatient to see the end of the war and my return home to my loved ones, Guess you better count me out as a guest at the punkin's birthday party, Sweet. I'm almost convinced that I won't be able to make it. I don't think there's much hope that I’ll see you at all this year. But I refuse to believe that 1945 will be very old by the time my fondest dream comes true. - Maybe in time for our 4th anniversary, eh, Sweet? I haven't forgotten our resolve to return to "1777" That's another dream I'm living in hopes of seeing fulfilled before another year is out. Gee Baby, there are so many things t want to do soon after our reunion, that I'll hardly know where to begin! But I think "1777" would be the appropriate “beginning” - don’t you?

'Bye now, my darling. Try your best to be patient. Some day, all our empty todays will be just so many memories. The day when “us” again becomes an actuality, and all the days that are to follow, will be the only ones that count. Keep punchin’, sweetheart, I love you more than ever. Love to Adele - and all from

Your adoring Phil

Post #498 - October 31, 1944 Fay and I Changed Our Minds and Stopped at the Candy Store at 8th and Ruscomb Sts. Where I had a Big Luscious Sundae

 

Oct. 31, 1944

Dearest Phil,

I am writing this v-mail on the morning of Nov. 1, shortly before leaving for work. I wasn't in a good mood last night and decided to go to a movie though it was rather late. I called Fay and Anne and they agreed to go along, as both were anxious to take in a movie.

As soon as I finished getting Adele to bed, which was about 9 o'clock, we left and headed for the Logan where "Summer Storm" is playing, with George Saunders, Linda Darnell and Edward Everett Horton. It was a "different" picture and had plenty of "zip". When I left the theatre, I found I had acquired a violent dislike for George Saunders, I've always enjoyed his performances, but somehow, and although this performance was just as excellent as his previous ones, I found myself disliking him more with every minute. Perhaps it was the character he portrayed, for he was weak physically as well as mentally (instead of physically, I should have said sexually). If you do have the opportunity to see it, I'm sure you will enjoy it.

There was no mail yesterday, except a $15 check for Diana (from one of Goldie's rich cousins) as a belated gift. I was very busy at work yesterday as the first of the month always means statements, and statements always mean lots of work. The day passed quickly and I'm always thankful for that.

After Fay and I dropped Anne at her place and although we had decided it was too late to eat ice-cream (it was 12) Fay and I changed our minds and stopped at the candy store at 8th and Ruscomb Sts., where I had a big luscious sundae just bathed in oodles of whipped cream. I thought about you all evening and wished very much that you could share the sundae with me. It was almost one when I got to bed, and even though Adele woke me twice during the night I had no difficulty whatever getting up this morning. No doubt I'll feel it later in the day, but I intend to get to bed early this evening to make up for it,

It is exactly four weeks to Adele's birthday and I don't think I'm going to make any sort of a party. Don't quote me on it, for I may have a change of mind at the last minute.

Mr. Bellet informed me that he expects an order of 12 strollers of the type I wish to buy and they should be in shortly. My mother and dad do not have to appear in court on Thurs. after all, as the family "may" have an agreement quietly, though I doubt it - extremely. I wanted to start Adele's scarlet fever injections, but I want to wait until my mother isn't so taken up. It's hard to take days off near Xmas, as we're very busy and he is depending on me, considering the hours I do put in. Jessie is a big help as I'm not there in the morning to do the bills and she can fill in on my job for the hours I can't be there. I'll write again this evening - if there is mail. So long for now, baby, I love you so very much!

Your Eve

Post #497 - October 30, 1944 Mr. First is Most Anxious to Have Me Learn the Insurance Business and It Was Your Dancing that Attracted Me to You from the First

 

Oct. 30, 1944

Dearest Phil,

This morning there was quite a bit of mail. Your letters of Oct. 11,13 & 14 were present and letters from Jack N. and Jack S. I am enclosing Jack N's, in the hope that you'll find some time to reply. I am a little surprised at you for letting it go this long.

And now to answer your mail - I can't believe that anyone can make $8000 gambling in one day - or is just that I'm not used to that kind of money. I wouldn't mind getting used to it -

The "eye doctor" is an optometrist (I'm sure I've mentioned it before). Mom only needed glasses to read the newspaper, as she could never see the type clearly. I think I told you that also.

I like the idea of those courses you mentioned and only hope you get to take advantage of them. I'll bet you could teach "Elementary English Grammar"! “No kiddin’”!

That just about answers all three letters, except, of course, your loving sentiments. I'll get to that in due time.

I didn't get to a movie last night after all. I was too tired by the time I got Adele to bed, cleaned her shoes, washed the few things there were to wash, and straightened up. I try very hard to get away in the evenings, but just can't seem to manage it. I'm in need of some recreation, but I don't mind waiting for a chance, as long as I have some mail from you to keep my spirits up.

Mr. First, the notary public and insurance man a few doors away, is most anxious to have me learn the insurance business, so that I can be of help to him in my spare ??? time. It isn't a bad idea, for he pays well and I like to work for him. I do a bit of work for him from time to time in the evening. Usually I type some minutes for him or a letter or two and he gives me a dollar for about an hour's work, which isn't bad at all.

Jack N.'s new address is as follows: Pvt. J. N. ,32,983,798, Ward C-12, Borden General Hospital, Chickasha, Oklahoma.

Goldie had a letter from Jack S, and he said he was put up for Sgt. and expects his stripe any day.

Since I'm just about out of news, I'll get on with the "sweet sentiments". Your letters only made me wish harder for the day when we will be reunited once more. The whole thing seems to be dragging along and I can't help getting rather impatient with it at times. Phil, darling, I adore you so much, and it's so hard to wait and wait and wait. It's as you say, "if 14 months is a long time, then all the time we'll be together after will be that much longer".

And so we come to the end of another day. I'm glad you at least had word from Eddie since it has been so long since we heard from him. As long as things keep going as they are I haven't a complaint though it wouldn't do me any good to complain. There are so many things that aren't as they should be - but they'll all be alright some day - they've just got to be! Good night for now, precious one, God bless you and keep you for

Your Eve

30 October 1944

Eve, dearest, 

Last night Klein and I went into town to visit with Evelyn and Bert. Evelyn's father, Mr. Cohen, was also there. He is a very nice old gentleman, and must have been very handsome in his day. He, Bert, and I played rummy for a while until supper time. Believe it or not, they eat supper at 10 P.M.! Evelyn received your letter, and had a great time teasing me about it. I asked her if I could see it, and you should have seen the reaction! Evelyn, Mr. Cohen, Bert and even Klein acted like I had committed murder or sumpin! No kiddin', Sweet, their shocked expressions and condemnation for presuming to ask to read my wife's letter, were so spontaneous and outraged, that I was dumbfounded. I'm still not sure whether they were kidding me or not as to whether they were really indignant at my request to read other people's mail, but I do know that I didn't get to see the letter. All the time, they kept talking among themselves (for my benefit) about whether they should answer your query about whether I make dates with other women over here. That, I knew, was strictly the bunk, ’cause I flatter myself that you wouldn't dream of asking them a question like that one. I told them as much, but that didn't deter them from ribbing me. By this time, I was most impatient to read your letter, and I threatened Evelyn with all sorts of dire reprisals if she didn't produce it, but evidently she wasn't impressed, ’cause she persisted in being contrary about it. Now that they've had their fun I guess they'll let me see it next time I visit. (I hope!)

Today, I was kept busy with the Company History. In the afternoon, your three V-mails arrived - hallelujah! They are dated 16, 19, 22 Oct.

That of the 16th advised me that my mail was still held up, that you were feeling pretty glum about it, that Harry is getting the station, that Jack is undecided about whether he should come home for a few weeks; or stick it out 'til he can come home for good, that Ethel and Mary came down from Canada, and that the punkin is having her way with Abe (and you, too, you old softie). The only thing that calls for comment is Jack's little problem. You don't know it, Sweet, but there may come a time when I'll have to make a like decision, and that day may not be very far in the future. But I have definitely made up my mind that rather than take three or four months in the States and facing the possibility of shipping out at the end of that time to the Pacific theater, I'd rather stick it out over here that much longer, thereby greatly reducing the possibility for ever seeing the Pacific Theater. I know you will agree that this is the wisest course, ’cause I remember that you said that the next time we are re-united you don't want to face another separation. Neither, for that matter, do I! Personally, I think Jack would be a fool to come home until he knows it is “permanent." But, as you say it is up to him to decide. I'm sure he is level-headed enough to recognize the right thing to do.

On the 19th, you write that you had a letter from Syd. Poor kid - he must be having a pretty rough time of it! I'm glad I have a letter on the way to him. The remainder of the letter inspires no particular comment.

On the 22nd you devoted half the letter to a description of Adele's new suit that you bought from Mr. Gorin. From your description, I would say you got a very good buy. Tell the punkin to wear it in the best of health - for me. What's this about "short-pants" becoming such a swell dancer? He must be pretty darned good if you compare him with Jack N! Can't say that I blame him, though, for liking to dance with you, Sweet. You are (and I say this without prejudice) one of the most graceful dancers I ever saw. If you remember, it was your dancing that attracted me to you from the first. Keep in practice, Sweet, 'cause it's been so long since I've danced, that you may have to coach me for a while after I get back. You drew a pretty delightful picture, Chippie, when you described your dad dancing with your mom and Adele dancing with her dollie. I gather that your folks must be getting on much better with each other these days, eh?

Well, Chippie, that about finishes me up for tonight. See you tomorrow, Baby. Until then, I am

Your ever-lovin'
Phil 

P.S. 'My love to all - but especially to you, my Evvie.

Post #496 - October 29, 1944 I Guess We’ll Have to Wait for Adele’s Third Birthday to Celebrate It “All Together” and Does Adele Still Show That Tendency to Left-Handedness?

 

Oct, 29, 1944

Dearest Sweetheart,

It's exactly one month to Adele's second birthday and I guess we'll have to wait for her third one to celebrate it "all together".

Last night, when I finished writing to you, I proceeded to write to Phil, Eddie Strongin and Milt. Now I'm completely caught up on my correspondence with the exception of one letter that I must write to Mickey Brown. It's a great feeling when you're all caught up and I only hope I stay that way for a while.

When I finished writing all the letters, I knitted on Diana's sweater for a while and then took myself upstairs to shower and set my hair. I got to bed at 11:15 and had a very restless night. Yesterday and today were very windy and all night long a northeasterly wind howled away. All the doors and windows banged and since it was almost impossible for me to sleep I laid wide awake and thought of you, sweet. Many sweet memories crowded my thoughts and I wished very much that you were back home with me, so that we could make some more. There'll come a day -

I was up bright and early, though I would have preferred to sleep (but Adele had other ideas) and after finishing with my duties about the house I bundled Adele up and walked over to Anne's, where I stayed for about an hour. She dressed Richy (who is a regular doll) and we sat on the porch and tried to chat. I say "tried" for the kids got to hitting each other and throwing each other down and I thought it best to take my leave, which I did.

From there I walked over to Seventh Street and paid the Meadoways a long owed visit. They were almost shocked to see me walk in. Sylvia's little boy is a regular demon and though he'll be three years old in December, he still wets his pants. Syl has dropped some 25 odd pounds and hasn't been feeling well. Mrs. M. looks wonderful, in spite of all her troubles. Adele had a great time riding Ellis' rocking horse and little station wagon.

I left the Meadoways at 12 and started home to prepare Adele's lunch After lunch I put her to bed, cleaned the living room and dining room and had some lunch myself. Now I'm typing this and since I'm almost finished and feel rather tired, I'm going right upstairs to nap. I haven't had any recreation for weeks and hope to take in a movie tonight, if Adele will go to sleep early. That brings me right up to the minute, baby, and so until tomorrow when I shall write once more (darn it - wish, I could say "see" you tomorrow) I say "I adore you, my darling husband". Pucker up, sweet, cause here I comes with a great big hug and kiss. Um! Let's do it all over again. And again - and again - gee, I'm in the mood for love

Eve

29 October 1944

Dearest Eve,

Just received two letters. They were yours of 18 Oct. (with snapshots enclosed), and Dot's of 16th Oct. I had just finished writing to Milt and Syd (at last!) when the mail come in.

It has been a queer kind of day. One moment the sun is shining brightly in a cloudless sky, and the next thing you know, it is raining like hell from the dark storm-clouds that weren't there a minute ago. Very confusin’, but not amoosin! Haven’t yet made up my mind whether I’ll go into town tonight or not. I think I will if the weather clears, but I definitely won’t if it does not.

The snapshots are very nice, sweet. You look better much better than you did in the last set of pictures you sent. The punkin looks good enough to eat and very large for her age (or am I nuts?) Truly, honey, she is as big as any three-year-old I ever saw. Oh yes, you can tell her for me that daddy doesn't acknowledge any left-handed salutes, so she'd better learn how to use her right arm. Which reminds me does she still show that tendency to left-handedness? The picture would seem to indicate as much. That sport-coat you are wearing is neat as a pin, Baby, and most attractive - I'd love to hug you - coat and all!

Can’t, for the life of me, understand why you haven’t had mail from me for so long. I hope you get five or six at a time when they finally do come through, Chippie. That ought to keep you happy for a day or two, huh?

I half-suspect that your innocent? chatter about that $18 bike for Adele, to be had at your place, is in the nature of a hint, no? I wish, darling, that I could take that hint, but I must confess that I’m not only completely broke, but in debt as well. I realize that you won't take very kindly to this bit of information, but I'd rather you bawled me out for that, rather than have you think even for a moment that I am so thick that I can't recognize a hint when I see it, or so ungenerous that I'd fail to send you the money for the bike if I had it. You must know how sorry I am that I can't oblige you in this instance, honey. Forgive me if you can.

Adele seems to be making quite a to-do over my socks. As for "daddy home - socks on”, please make her understand that it isn't for any lack of willingness on daddy's part that he is unable to oblige her just yet. And to answer your own query "whaddya say, daddy?”, I say this: I want to, honey - desperately, but I can't! So what can a guy do, eh? Your reference to the punkin as “(my) one and only daughter” makes me wonder if she would still be that if hadn't been away from you for so long, honey. – Or do you have some very definite ideas on the subject? - Yes, I know, just forget I mentioned it! Well, gee whiz, aint a guy allowed to wonder anymore without you getting all riled up about it? Now stop right there, dear, cause if you get me real good and mad, i'm just liable to do something that you'll be sorry for - know what I mean?

Gee, Baby, I can't even tease you anymore without suffering for it! Just thinking about how happy I would be to be with you once again and not knowing when it will be makes me feel so bad I could yell. I adore you, my Evvie—

Give my love to my “one and only daughter" (sounds almost like a reproach, doesn't it?). My love to all.

Devotedly, 

Your Phil

Post #495 - October 28, 1944 My Uncles are Dragging the Matter of My Grandmother’s Estate to Court and I Divided My Time Between Keeping the Fire Going and Knocking Out a Letter to the Editor of Coronet Magazine

 

Oct. 28, 1944

Dearest Phil,

I had decided not to write this evening, for I am in anything but a good mood. There was no mail again today, much to my dlsgust. In fact I'm just about so fed up with the mall situation that I've almost given up hope of ever getting any mail. God but it is annoying!

I had very busy day. In the morning I worked for Mr. Bellet and in the afternoon I worked for Miss Hahn. She was so happy that I gave up my time to come in that she gave me $2.50 instead of the usual $2 for four hours. I’m not very tired considering, but the lack of mail is getting on my nerves. I realize that it's not your fault, but I do hope you have been writing often, so that these long delays will not occur again. I don't think I told you that George got a 30 day deferment and so he won't be leaving until the end of Nov. Mr. May, our bookkeeper, was discharged today. Mr. Bellet gave him two weeks notice some time ago, as his sister is taking over. Mr. Bellet treated the bookkeeper very decently, even giving him his Xmas bonus in advance. I've been told that he gives bonuses for Xmas, and I'm wondering if I'll be in line for one. Here's hopin'!

I don't think I've told you, too, that Mom has dropped 20 lbs. as a result of her dieting. She looks and feels fine. She's noticeably thinner and it's flattering to her. To give you an idea of how well she does feel - she walked to and from the doctor's office today - 10 blocks up and 10 blocks back. Ain't that sumpin'? Especially for her! She's even going to buy a coat from Mrs. Frommer, that Mrs. Frommer no longer wishes. Can you imagine Mom fitting into one of Mrs. Frommer's coats? The coat she is going to buy is a good looking tweed coat, trimmed with black persian lamb. It's a fitted coat and it is most flattering. Mom went to the movies with Mrs. Frommer this evening. I'm going to do a little washing and hit the hay early, so I'll be fresh as a daisy tomorrow.

Goldie's father sent her a playpen for Diana from Poughkeepsie and it was damaged in transit. All she did was mention in a letter to her dad that she was advised by the doctor to prop Diana up in a playpen and just a few days later comes a playpen. He sure is wonderful to her. She'll either be paid for the damage or be given a new pen. Diana has had a funny rash under her arms and in most of her joints since she began to eat food and Goldie is having a hell of a time getting rid of it. The doctor was here yesterday and put the baby on a strict liquid diet, in an effort to learn what is causing the rash.

My Uncles are dragging the matter of my grandmother's estate to court and my mother and dad have to appear in court on Thursday. There's a whole story attached to the estate, one that I'll say for "some day" to tell you. In the meantime, sweet, I'm very close to the bottom (what ever are you thinking Philip???) and before I get "fresh" out of space, I'll simply say "I LOVE YOU."

Your Eve

28 October 1944

Dearest Darling,

It's three days since I've had mail from you, and since I've answered all your letters up to and including your V-mail of 15 Oct, you'll have to excuse me if I write of my own activities for a change, and if this is rather dull as a consequence.

Didn't write last night ’cause I went to see "Up in Mabel's Room" at the base theater. The rest of the evening was spent cleaning up for today's inspection. The picture was very entertaining - even if it was a rather inconsequential sort of comedy. If one wanted to criticize it on the usual grounds, it would be possible to write reams about all the wrong and stupid things about the plot, the production, and the performances of the players. But as it was evident from the first that the picture had no pretensions to greatness and was concerned only with providing a few laughs, it would be unkind to judge it on any other basis. It would be much more sporting to admit that it succeeded admirably in what it set out to do - and that's that! - 

Today, there was very little doing in the Orderly Room, so I divided my time between keeping the fire going and knocking out a letter to the editor of Coronet Magazine. Seems the magazine is running a contest in connection with an article written by Rep. John M. Coffee which expounds the merits of his bill for converting the state Department to civil service. Now you might think, Chippie, that that is a subject which is way over my head and therefore beyond my ability to propound on, but you would be wrong, ’cause I have written a letter on just that topic, which makes sense (at least my colleagues, Sgt. Murphy and Pvt. Stahle thought so). I did mean to make a carbon copy for you, Sweet, but I got absent-minded and forgot to insert the carbon. But don't fret yourself, honey. I'll send it along when Coronet returns it to me with a polite little note telling me how much they appreciated my little effort, better luck next time, etc., etc. However, since there are fifty prizes of $10 beside the $500 for the best letter, I'll be disappointed if I don't win one of those $10 bills. I'd hate to think that I couldn't win one prize out of 50! Anyway, here's hopin! 

Guess that's about all for tonight, Baby, 'cause it's just about time to hit the sack. Tomorrow, I think I'll go along with Klein to visit the Woolfs, whom I haven't seen for almost a month now.

Kiss my girl for me, Chippie. Here's a kiss for you from 

Your loving hubby,
Phil

P.S. Love to all

Post #494 - October 27, 1944 I am Trying to Write This V-Mail and Listen to Pres. Roosevelt, Who is Speaking at Shibe Park This Evening

 

Oct. 27, 1944

Dearest Phil,

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 -

Your Eve