Post #482 - October 13, 1944 Harry Quit the Navy Yard, as He Discovered the Work He Was Supposed to Do is Too Dangerous and Had I Written What Was in My Mind, It Would Have Proved Far From Being an Entertaining Letter

 

Oct. 13, 1944

Dearest Phil,

I started this yesterday, but here it is the 14th and I’m just getting around to it. There has been no mail in the meantime and I'm rather disgusted with the mail situation. I did have a nice letter from Dot, so now I owe her two letters, which I hope to get around to writing tomorrow.

Last night I kept my appointment with Dr. Freed and received my glasses. I wore them all last night and all morning at work and have almost become accustomed to them. The only reason I wore them last night was to get used to them and because I decided to do a bit of knitting on Adele's pink sweater. The conclusion of most everyone is that I look more Intelligent with classes on. Can you beat that! They are very weak glasses, but they are a little help and that is the most important thing.

This afternoon, immediately after work, I went shopping with my dad and he bought a suit and top coat. He had a large "hit" and I made him buy two very expensive items (My mother doesn't know the exact prices) $60 for the suit and $50 for the top coat. I don't have to tell you how nice both are! We bought them at Diamond & Co. at Eighth & South, who sell "Three G's” clothes. The suit is a lovely blue color and the top coat could best be described as a very dark beigy brown. Gosh but he looks swell with them on!

Harry quit the Navy Yard, as he discovered the work he was supposed to do is too dangerous. Instead he spent the day at Al's place and has hopes of getting a station very much like Al's. He'd better do something soon, for It will soon be month he is unemployed.

I also went back to see the coat and legging set I had thought of getting for Adele, They got something else in - A fuschia colored coat and leggings with a red velvet color and trimming. Fuschia is a soft off-red color that is very attractive. The coat and leggings would be $20.95 and somehow it is rather steep for me at the present. She didn't have Adele's size In this particular outfit, but promised to get it for me. I still have to get Adele a stroller and give her the scarlet fever infections, all of which will cost a lot of money, and when I finish with those few Items I'm going to go to town on myself. I want to finish with her first and start off buying myself things when the slate is clean.

The last letter I had from you was dated Oct. 1 and here it is the 14th. There ought to be several letters in the mail for me on Monday. I stopped in to see Anne this afternoon and she tells me that Tony was sent back to France from Belgium. Anne also told me that she had a dream that you were discharged and sent home, “that could only be a dream" was my reply. I see I only have room left to send along the love that is yours, that of

Your Eve

13 October 1944

Dearest Darling,

Last night, after a very busy day, I went to see "A Guy Named Joe." Contrary to my expectations, I wasn’t very much impressed with it. It was, however, a picture that provoked much thought - for me, at least. Putting myself in Spencer Tracy's shoes, I found that I couldn't possibly have been nearly so “noble” under like conditions. Whether the fault lies with my character, or with the character portrayed by S. Tracy, I am not prepared to say. All any rate, I found his emotions and subsequent actions most abhorrent. That goes for the character portrayed by I. Dunne, too. It's really too involved a subject to be discussed here, but if you saw the picture, you may know what I'm talking about. The picture, moreover, was the direct cause of my not writing to you last night. It left me inexpressibly depressed. So much so, that had I written what was in my mind it would have proved far from being an entertaining letter.

Today found me busier than ever. I didn't even come close to getting all my work done, although I did accomplish a lot. The weather was perfect, with a bright Autumn sun casting just enough heat to offset the chilly wind. Late in the afternoon, though, the sky darkened suddenly and heavy rain clouds gathered. Right now, the pelting rain is dinning against the metal semi-circle that encloses the Orderly Room, and the wind is blowing gustily. I am writing in the Orderly Room 'cause I am CQ tonight. My bunk is already made up, and because I am both tired and cold it looks most inviting. First, though, I intend to say a few words in answer to your three V-mails, which arrived this afternoon. They are dated 4, 5, 6 Oct, and all single-spaced! It was good of you, Chippie, to grant me my wish in this connection. I also received letters from Eddie, Mike Nerenberg and another “midget Bulletin" from Dottie. Eddie didn't say how much longer he expects to be at "4174", but wants me to visit him again. Unfortunately, I won't be able to get away for about ten days yet, and I'm just about broke, to boot, but if I can see any way clear, I will certainly make the trip again. God knows, it's little enough to do for him on my part! Mike writes a very nice, friendly, letter, and I can't help but feel badly that I just can't seem to find the time to answer him. It may be a few days before I'll find the opportunity, Sweet, so l’d appreciate it if you'd give him a call to tender any fondest regards, and to acquaint him with the fact that I did receive his letter. I feel a heel, too, that I have been unable to answer Dot's last letter. I hope she doesn't think too unkindly of me for it. Your V-mail of the 4th informed me that Dot decided to go to Snuff after all. I'm truly glad for both their sakes that she found it possible so to do. Also from the same letter, I learned of your visit to the “eye doctor" - what is he, optician or optometrist? I can only say "it's about time"! Don't you worry your dear little head about whether I’ll like your glasses or not, honey. On you they're bound to look good! Besides, the important thing is that you are finally getting glasses which you have needed for a long time. Remember how I used to coax you to let me take you to an optometrist? I didn't know that Mom is also having trouble with her eyes, but it is a good idea to check up, nevertheless. You mention some pills that have “vastly" improved your appetite. I suppose a letter I have not as yet received will give me all the details.

In your letter of the 5th you start off by reminding me that it marked the 14th month of our “separation". (I use the quotes 'cause I don't like to think of it as such, Baby) In reality, I don't feel that we shall ever be separated" any way but physically, Then you say "God, but 14 months is a long time!" You should have qualified that statement, honey, 'cause if 14 months is a long time, then the many years we will be together will be infinitely longer, no?

Sorry to learn that Harry is having trouble locating another job, but, somehow, it doesn't seem possible that there aren't any jobs to be had, things being as they are. If he has any ideas about moving to Poughkeepsie, that's his business; moreover, while I agree with your unspoken thought that he might be a little more considerate of the rest of us, I'd hate to have him think that he'd be doing us a favor by finding work in Phila. and continuing to help us maintain 4906. I feel as you do, Chippie - that regardless of which course he chooses to pursue, you and Mom will manage O.K. I know I can count on you, darling to keep me posted as to future developments in the matter.

Your suggestion in your letter of the 6th that I write to Jack N. is nothing if it is not unnecessary. Truly, Baby, I've been itching to write to him ever since I received his last letter (was it two or three weeks ago?), but just as truly - I haven't been able to do so, and it’s caused me no end of concern. I suspect that you find it hard to imagine why it should be so, and really, I'd be at a loss to explain why I can't find enough time to “dash off” a few lines, but the simple truth is that I just don't know how to “dash off” a letter. I notice that most of the guys write two or three letters while i'm writing one. Normally, it takes me at least two hours to write a letter to almost anyone. (For example I started this about 7 P.M. It is now 9:30. I've been interrupted at leash half-a-dozen times) - so you see what I'm up against, Chippie! I just built a fire in the small stove and I'm huddled near it trying to keep warm. The weather is miserable and i'm hoping my slight cold doesn't get any worse.

I, too, darling, wish I could see and hear our daughter talking on the phone to "Nanmom"! I'll bet she's every bit as cute as I picture her. The prospect of seeing her, holding her, taking her bye-bye", etc, as you say you promised her daddy would do some day, is so excruciatingly sweet, and so in tensely desired, that it is almost painful for “daddy" to contemplate it. Oh my sweet darlings, how I long to be once again with you to hold you both so very close to my heart that loves you above all else! God bless and keep you safe and well for

Your adoring husband and dad,
Phil

Post #481 - October 12, 1944 This Morning I Took a Walk to 11th St. and I Stopped at One of the Kiddie Stores There

 

Oct. 12. 1944

Dearest Phil,

No mall today and I'm a little disappointed. Since yesterday's letter was ten days old, I fully expected another today, since ten days is rather old for your mail, when you consider that most of your letters are usually five day old. Here's hoping tomorrow brings something.

I brought home that blackboard for Adele and she got quite a kick out of it. When I took the chalk to show her how to write she yelled "Me". So I gave her the chalk and she had one helluva time scribbling all over the slate. I wish you could hear her count up to ten all by herself. This morning she did something cute. She ran to your night table drawer, yanked out your socks and ran to Mom "to show her Daddy's socks". When she had handed mom the first pair, she dashed off, saying there was "more". Oh, darling, - if only you could see her!

This morning I took a walk to 11th St, and I stopped at one the kiddie stores there and tried several coat outfits on Adele, I can't seem to find one that has the lines I particularly like. Most kids coats look like they hang and make the kid look like a scarecrow. Finally she showed me one outfit of a moss green color, the coat a very pimply plaid. It was a nice plaid, but somehow I didn't care for it. However, when Adele got it on, it looked so beautiful that I changed my mind. She did not have that particular coat in Adele’s size and will try to get it for me. The coat and leggings would cost $20.95 and I would have to buy a bonnet to match, to complete the outfit. If she isn't able to get this outfit for me, I shall wait til Adele's birthday to get one. And just for the record, Adele's shoe size (I think you might be Interested) is 7 1/2 D.

I managed to get a v-mail off to Milt last night, ofter finishing my letter to you. I haven't heard from him in almost a month, and don't want him to think I wait for him to write before answering.

Harry is classified as a third grade mechanic at the Navy yard and his hours are from 7:15 to about 5:30. However, it is about an hour's ride up and back and that will add two more hours to his day.

Tomorrow I get my glasses and I intend to make good use of them. Those vitamin pills are beginning to work on me and I’m always hungry - day and night. Sometimes I actually feel like I'm starving and I'm eating better than ever. I'm not weighing myself for a few days til I'm sure I've put on a lot of weight - ketch. I want my report to be good.

I was just listening to Bing Crosby sing "White Christmas” and it reminded me of the time we went to see "Holiday Inn" with Jack N. and It also made me very, very lonesome for you see I had hoped that perhaps you would spend this Xmas with

Your Eve

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

 

Oct. 11, 1944

Dearest Phil,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Your Eve

11 October 1441

Dearest Chippie, 

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

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

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

Phil 

P.S. My love to all—of course!

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

 

Oct. 10, 1944 

Dearingest, Darlingest Phil, 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Your Eve

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

 

Oct. 9, 1944

Dearest Phil,

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

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

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

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

Your Eve

9 October 1944 

Ev, darling

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

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

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

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

Your loving
Phil

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

 

Oct. 8, 1944

My dearest,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Your Eve

P.S. I filled it up after all.

8 October 1944

Ev, dearest,

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

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

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

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

Your adoring
Phil 

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

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

 

Oct. 7, 1944

Dearest Phil,

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

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

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

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

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

Your Eve