Post #626 - April 10, 1945 Dr. Gayl Warned Me that This Shot was Three Times as Powerful as the First and That Adele Would be Very Ill

 

April 10, 1945

Dearest Phil,

If it weren't for the fact that I am able to type this at the office while waiting for Mr. Bellet to return to the store and take us home, I wouldn't be able to write at all today. He had to take his daughter-in-law to the station, as she is leaving to join her husband.

Last night was one of the most hectic I've had in months. Immediately after reading your v-mail of March 31st (no comment) and having dinner, I took Adele to Dr. Gayl's. The office was packed, so I stayed outside on the front step with Adele - and whom do you think I met? Helen Breslow had just come from the hospital, where she had been visiting her dad, who had a serious operation performed on his stomach recently. She was surprised to learn that I know her cousin and asked me to stop over. Her dad is progressing nicely.

The nurse at Dr. Gayl's, office let me take Adele into one of the inner rooms, where I played with her until he was ready to give her the injection. For the first time, she cried a bit when the needle had been injected. She stopped almost immediately after, as I let her run around at will and the nurse gave her a lollipop. However, Dr. Gayl warned me that this shot was three times as powerful as the first and that she would be very ill. He gave me a prescription to give her in case of repeated vomiting & suggested I give her aspirin. He looked at her feet at my request and said she still has a bit of tendency to turn her toes in, but that it was okay for her to wear low oxfords. He thought it would be good idea to continue with Dr. Lefkoe and have the correction put into the oxfords, providing Dr. Lefkoe will permit oxfords. When I got off the bus Adele and I walked over to Ringer's where I had the prescription filled at a cost of $1. It is a powerful prescription and can only be refilled at the doctor's written request. It was after ten, when two very tired and sleepy gals fell into the house. I gave Adele the prescription, against her will, and some tea and lemon. She was soon asleep. I lay down as I was, for I was much too exhausted for anything else. She awoke again at 1 A.M. and several times after, to throw up. When she finished throwing up, she said, "Mommy, I don't feel good." I just wish you could see how much of a soldier she is! She held it until I could get her into the bathroom and over the sink. I carried her on my shoulder after the last shot to still her and to get her drowsy. She slept peacefully the rest of the night (from 3 to 7), so you can see how much rest I had. Adele felt much better this morning, but, as the doc said, she was "peaky" and very cranky about most anything. I left for work late, as she seemed to be alright. My mom told me, over the phone, when I called, that she was cranky and wouldn't eat much and that Ruth had her out in the walker. The first day is the worst one, so I'm happy that it is nearly over. Mom called earlier in the day to tell me that your "longie" in the blue envelope had arrived, so I am looking forward to it eagerly and will respond first chance I get. I'm going right to bed this evening, cause I'm tired! Not too tired to tell you, baby, that I adore you and am hoping that you will soon be with

Your Eve

Post #625 - April 8, 9, 1945 We're Selling an Unprecedented Amount of Flags

 

April 8, 1945

Dearest Phil,

This is the first opportunity I have had to write since the 6th. On Saturday I went to work as usual and after work I had lunch at H & H with my dad and went over to see Ruth at Lerner's and select something for her to buy me as a birthday gift. I settled for an all wool, white, red and jungle green płaid pleated skirt.

By the time I got home it was much too late to visit Sylvia, as I had intended, and I called and begged off until today. Your letter of the 30th March waited for me (with proofs enclosed) and I enjoyed the contents about the seder, etc. I shall try to return the proofs one day this week, but it may have to wait until next Saturday.

Mom and Goldie and Diana had gone to visit Ethel, so Adele had dinner at my mother's. After dinner I brought her home, bathed her and put her to bed. Then I had my dinner alone (Harry went out to eat) and proceeded to sew, wash, etc. I was about to take a shower, when they returned, bringing Rae along to stay the night. I showered anyway, pressed two blouses and then had tea with them.

This morning, bright and early, I dressed Adele and myself, after having breakfast and cleaning a bit, and we went straightaway to Sylvia's. The weather today was perfect and the short ride down to Sylvia's on the 47 trolley took about 15 minutes. We spent the entire day there. Sylvia's sister-in-law Sylvia came over with her little boy (20 months) and Adele and Stephen played together. It just so happens that Sylvia's sister-in-law is a cousin to Helen Breslow (do I hear you saying this is a small world). After lunch Adele was ready for a nap, and much against her will I took her upstairs. She napped in Sylvia's kid sister's bed. When I first put her in the bed she said, "Mommy, this isn't my bed. Take me home, I want to go to sleep in my crib." However, five seconds later she was sound asleep and slept for two whole hours. Before putting her to bed we took some snaps, which I hope will turn out well.

Speaking of snaps reminds me - here are those snaps Petey made of Adele and me last Sunday. Everyone seems to think our little one looks, of all things, "skinny"! Do you??? I don't. If she does it is due mostly to the poor shadowing. The snaps are very poor, and I'm surprised, for it was a beautiful sunny day when they were made.

Tante Bosh and Uncle Nish came over to Sylvia's later in the afternoon and the day sped by quickly. We had dinner and departed for home about 7:30. Both Adele and I enjoyed ourselves immensely, especially Adele, who made herself right at home. Once home, I bathed her, washed her few pieces of clothing from the day, and am typing this before hitting the hay. Phew - I'm tired! I didn't realize just how tired I was until just now. By the way, Tante Bosh looked better than I ever remember seeing her. She wore an expensive gray gabardine suit, expensive white, laced trimmed blouse, black accessories and showed off the new watch and wedding band, which represented early Mother Day gifts. Her new band is of gold, yellow and white, The wrist watch is pink gold with six diamond chips and about ten rubies. She bought the watch from the fellow who promised to get a watch for Eddie, at only $135.00, which is darn cheap for such a wrist watch. Unc also looked well. They have not. heard from Syd as yet.

It is rather late, honey, and I'm itchin' to get to bed. Sure do wish I was havin' company - but who's to know - maybe you'll be here before we know it - "ola vie,” as Lil would say.

Good night, darling, I love you so much!

April 9, 1945 

I am continuing on this at work. Mr. Bellet went to Young's this afternoon - Goodie-goodie and we're making the most of a good thing. It was too late to post this last night anyway. There are two things I have to comment about - I'm glad the Army has finally decided to pay for your trips when you decide to travel about - that ought to get you additional pocket money and make it easier for you to "save???", if such is possible. I have been telling Adele about Betty Jane for weeks and she keeps asking me when Betty Jane will come. It seems to me that Betty Jane is overdue now. Can you do anything? Perhaps she has gone lost or something. I'd appreciate if you'd inquire. It's a mistake to tell a child anything, unless you can keep your word almost instantaneously, or they bother you no end about the promise. Adele said this yesterday, "My daddy's in the Army, he can't come home." I was in bed at 11:30 last night, but Adele and Diana both woke me last night and I awoke feeling very tired this morning. I've been feeling very tired all day long and I'm glad for an opportunity to write before going home, as I must take Adele to Dr. Gayl's this evening for her third Scarlet Fever injection. (this is suppose to be the worse shot of all) Undoubtedly I'll be exhausted by the time we get back and I intend to get right to bed. I'm hoping that Adele's reactions will be light, as she is very difficult to manage otherwise. Mom called to tell me that there is a v-mail from you. Your letter of March 20th still has not arrived.

Incidentally, does this new ruling of the Army paying for traveling expense apply to soldiers overseas only?

Yesterday I received a belated birthday card from Gloria (forever late) Strongin - a really cutie card. Whatsamatter with me - I can't type without making two errors in one word today. I also received the notice to pay Adele's insurance, which is due April 22nd. I gave notice at the bank to withdraw the money and will pay the premium next week.

I bought a 5¢ stamp at the postoffice today, intending to write to the Davies’ before the week is out. I'm having a terrible time getting any letter-writing done, so you'll have to forgive the long delay.

You say you are counting the days till the end of the war - do you really think it is just a matter of days and not weeks? I hope you're right. We're selling an unprecedented amount of flags, so plenty of other people have the same idea. As I've said before, "seein' is believin'"and I won't believe it until I see you, sweet. I guess you sort a guessed that I'm "Sweet" on you and that I can scarcely wait for the moment when I'll see you. For the moment, dearest, here's a hug and kiss - just to hold you until you can hold

Your Eve

Post #624 - April 6, 1945 Today, Incidentally, is My Brother Jack’s 17th Birthday. If the War Doesn't End Soon, the Army will be After Him

 

April 6, 1945

Dearest Phil,

No mail for four days now and I'm beginning to wonder at the hold up. I'm fairly up to date on my mail, but when mail ceases after two to three days I begin to wonder, especially when one is writing daily.

I took the J bus and the Frankford el to work today. When I got off the J bus I stopped at a shoe store and bought myself a pair of low-heeled toeless and backless black leather shoes (I had seen them several weeks ago and had decided to buy them when the opportunity presented itself) that cost me $7. While there I also bought myself a pair of black and silver beaded clips for the shoes I bought from Ruth and they cost me $2. My new shoes are very plain, d'orsay cut fronts and you'd really be surprised at the low heel. I need one more pair of oxfords and I'll be sufficiently outfitted with shoes. Those copper-colored oxfords I bought last year are the most comfortable pair or shoes it has been my pleasure to possess and I have been giving them daily wear.

Last night, rather unexpectedly, Mom and I decided to go to the movies. I don't know whether you saw "Keys to the Kingdom" (I can't keep up with you on the movie situation) but if you didn't, it’s a "must". I enjoyed it thoroughly and I'm sure you would, too. Both Mom and I didn't decide to go until after nine and we had to rush a bit to make it. As it is we came in just as the picture started. Before leaving the house I washed a few of Adele’s things. When I finished I went into our room to get my bag and Adele, who evidentally overheard us talking, sat up in her crib and said, "Mommy, I want to go to the movies wid you—" And here I thought she was fast asleep and I could leave immediately. However, I told her she had to be a good girl and go to sleep and I would take her on the bus Monday night. She agreed and I left a few minutes later. She went right to sleep. That's the kind of report I like to give. It was four weeks since I had been to the movies and the relaxation did me good. I was in bed at 12:30 and up at 7:45, so I didn't lose much sleep.

Yesterday I received a long letter from Gloria and she said that Jack gained 20 lbs. since he is overseas. On him it should look good - but I hope you haven't gained an ounce. Today, incidentally, is my brother Jack’s 17th birthday. If the war doesn't end soon, the Army will be after him. Glo’s letter contained nothing else of importance to mention, but she may be in Philly within the next few weeks for a visit with us.

I gave notice at the bank to withdraw $53.82 for Adele's insurance. I intend to write to the Benis’ when my notice to pay arrives, as I haven't written to them for months. I'm hoping, sweet, that there will be some mail for me tomorrow. I love you, dearest, and you know darn well that I am

Your Eve

Post #623 - April 5, 1945 How I Wish You Could See Adele When She’s Especially Cute and It’s Entirely Possible That We Are Now Experiencing the Final Days of the War

 

April 5, 1945

Dearest Mine,

Am starting this at the office and will have to finish at home. Today marks the 20th month of our enforced separation and I recall that you said it would be at least a year and a half to two before you would rejoin me - I wonder just how close you guessed. Will it be two - or closer to three? I'm praying that you are right and that you will be with me before the second year is up.

The news today that Russia will not renew her pact with Japan is another spirit-lifter, although it had been more or less expected. V-E day is far off - but does it mean that I'll see you - that's the burning question. Of course I'm happy that V-E day isn't far off, and I know what it will mean to the world, but do you blame me for wanting to see you so desperately. Darling, I just love you to bits and as you said in a recent letter. "It grows and grows until I don't know where I'll hold it.

I haven't had any mail from you for three days and I shall be expecting a few letters when I finally do get something. That longie you wrote on the 20th and 24th is overdue. The air-mail letter we had from Eddie Strongin yesterday was dated the 24th.

Last night I got to bed early (10:15) and was asleep shortly after I hit the pillow. Adele went right to sleep after I bathed her and washed her hair, so I had a bit of the evening to myself - and I enjoyed it thoroughly. I even knitted on her sweater a little while, but the progress on said sweater is very, very slow. It’s fine wool and takes a lot of time before anything worthwhile to see is had.

It was actually cold today and the wind howled furiously. Adele kept imitating the wind. Baby, how I wish you could see Adele when she’s especially cute. I understand most kids become very fresh when they reach the age of four (It's one of their crazy stages again) and I sure do hope you'll have plenty of time with her before then. She's very fresh at times and she knows she can't get away with much when she starts with me. The other day I gave her a book to read. Before turning the pages, she wet her forefinger and thumb, so that it would be easier to turn them. When I asked her where she learned that, she replied. "Nanmom showed me." Her tense is atrocious at times, but she'll learn.

Diana stood up in her crib alone for the first time today, and almost all traces of her cold have disappeared. I see I’m short on space, so I’ll tell you once again that I adore you, sweet Phil, and will end off with a sound hug and kiss.

Your Eve

5 April 1945

Dearest Chippie,

There is precious little to write about tonight, due to the fact that there was no new mail, and my activities today were purely routine. Nevertheless, I will try to scrape together enough news to fill this V-mail—

Last night, I didn’t get to bed ’til after midnight. I was busy ’til then typing that thankless letter to you. All day today I felt depressed by the memory of the things I said, and kept asking myself if I meant it all. I think I can now honestly state that I did and do, but that doesn't detract from the fact that I regret most bitterly that you made it necessary for me to write as I did. I'm exceedingly apprehensive, too, that you may not take my words in the spirit in which they were meant, and the possibility worries me considerably. However, I would be little better than a coward if I refrained from stating my objections merely because of the fear of repercussions. If I had that the letter to write over again tonight it would be the same word for word and I’d still place my trust in your innate sense of justice and the love you bear me. I pray darling, that you will justify that trust.

The weather cleared today. It was good to see the sun once more, and the blue skies. I was busy all day writing and typing the Company History, and had to work ’til 6:30 to get it done.

It is becoming increasingly evident, Sweet, that the jerrys have just about “had it,” and it’s entirely possible that we are now experiencing the final days of the war. I am still entirely in the dark as to what will come after that, but you know that my prayers are for that long-awaited re-union with you, my dearest, and the punkin and the family. God bless you all and keep you well for

Your adoring Phil

Post #622 - April 4, 1945 I'm Doing All I Possibly Can Do to Gain Weight and I Have Good Cause to Know, Chippie, What Store You Set by Money

 

April 4, 1945

Dearest Sweetheart:

I didn't get the opportunity to start an air-mail letter last night, as I had promised in yesterday's v-mail, so will make up for it now.

Upon arriving home and finishing dinner, I went over to my mother's to get Adele. She wasn't feeling or looking well and most of the evening was spent in trying to get her to bed. She seemed a bit feverish, so I gave her the chocolate aspirin Dr. Gayl prescribed and a warm glass of tea with lemon. Being very irritable I had a picnic getting her undressed and into her pajamas. Once she was ready for bed and had partaken of the aspirin and tea she was okay. She lay her head on my shoulder and I walked about the room with her, singing to her until she became very drowsy. She was fine all night long and awoke feeling very chipper this morning.

I rested until she fell asleep soundly and then proceeded to wash some clothes, shower and set my hair. When I finished I went downstairs, had some milk, filed my nails, knit for about 15 minutes on her sweater and listened to the radio. I purposely sat up till 11, wanting to pick her up and put her on the toddy before retiring for the night. As it was, I came upstairs to find her in a pool, almost up to her ears (from the tea) and that's the first time she's wet the bed in ages. I changed her and the bed and she went right back to sleep,

So you can see, honey, that I had a full evening and though I did want to write, I could not. Guess you won't mind too much for I shall try to make this as long as I can.

There was one other thing I didn't tell you about Jack Nerenberg. He has a new address: Pvt. J. Nerenberg, 32,983,798, Co. A, 34th Bn., Camp Crowder 8, Mo. When I told you I had received a letter from him I neglected to note the new address. I wonder what he's doing out in Missouri, especially now that he's engaged and planning marriage. I wrote him a rather lengthy letter and expect a reply with the next few days, at which time we'll both be enlightened as to his present situation.

It may interest you to know that I'm doing all I possibly can do to gain weight. I'm resting whenever possible and mean to gain weight, no matter what I have to do. Of course there are times when I have no choice, but for the most part I'm not doing anything beside my job and taking care of Adele, which is enough in itself.

We gave the parlor covers in to be cleaned and it will cost $4.50 for the job. We're all chipping in toward the total amount. It's about time the covers were cleaned anyway, as they haven't been cleaned in two years.

After days of unusually warm weather, it turned very cool today. It was too warm for this time of year anyway, so it's just as well.

I am typing this before I go to my mother's for Adele. I started it at the office and am finishing at home. We had a letter from Eddie Strongin telling us that he was going to visit Jean Levin, who is stationed at Verdun. I haven't had any mail from you for two days (ain't it arwful?) and undoubtedly there will be something for me tomorrow. So, long for now, sweetness, I "yove" you so much and I want to hold you in my arms -

Your Eve

4 April 1945

Dearest Darling,

Yesterday afternoon brought your long typed letter that you started on 3 Mar, and finished on 4 Mar. I was so burned up by it that not even some of the very nice things you say served to dampen my anger. This was the letter, too, which brought those lovely pictures of Adele taken in the house. More about them later, but right now I want to tell you, Sweet, that all last night I was so annoyed with you because of the attitude you took about my discontinuing the bonds that I didn't trust myself to write. If I had, I know I would have said a lot of things I might have regretted. Evidently, from the tone of voice you used, you considered my action in the light of a heinous crime against you. Oddly enough, I don't feel that I did anything wrong. I needed the extra money, and that was the only means I had of raising it. As for the things you said about the means I chose to buy your and the Moms' gifts, and how you felt about them as a consequence, I can only say that I could hardly believe what I read. I have good cause to know, Chippie, what store you set by money, but I never dreamed that it was more important to you than the gifts I bought with it. To be perfectly frank, for the first time since I know you, I felt a sense of shame for you. Perhaps it is my fault that I never put my foot down in matters of this kind, but I'm telling you now for the first and last time, I will not stand for you calling me to account for how I spend my money, I realize that it is as much your money as mine, but I claim the right to do with part of our income as I see fit. When I spend “our” money on extravagances, I shall expect you to criticize me for it, but when I want to give you or Adele or the Moms something, and you baldly state that you wouldn't accept it if you knew it was at the expense of the allotment I get so damned mad, I can't see. I despise the type of person who is so mercenary that he loses any appreciation for the other little things. God knows, baby, you have also spent “our” money for gifts, and to a much greater extent than I could ever presume to do without you risking your displeasure, I, too, might have pointed out that the money you regularly spend for birthday gifts and other gifts for all and sundry could also have been put in the bank, but you know I wouldn't dream of calling you to account for any amount of money you might care to spend. You know that I feel that you wouldn't knowingly spend money unwisely, nor would I question your right to do so if you so saw fit. I expect no more nor less than the same treatment. Needless to say, you have driven any further thought of gift buying completely out of my mind by your attitude. Moreover, and I can't help feeling this, I hope you gain some pleasure from the fact that you have done a very complete job of robbing me of the pleasure of giving those things you have already received and have yet to receive, When you receive the gardenia corsage, for instance, I hope it occurs to you that the money I paid for it, together with the money I paid for the Moms f'lowers and the punkin’s doll and the cosmetics (that, from today's V-mail acknowledging their receipt you said were so *wonderful") and the bracelet would have bought almost two of your precious bonds. Rarely, in my whole life, have I ever been so humiliated as I was by your letter. I can't warn you too strongly, Ev, against persisting in your attitude. More than once, I have found it necessary to caution you that your regard for money and the things it will buy is much too strong for my taste. I'm sick to death of the way you harp on it, and I don't want to hear another word about it - even by implication. Remember, Eve, that as much as you condemn my tendency to "free handedness" with our money, just so much do I decry your preoccupation with it. Unless you give me a free hand with "my” funds, as I do you with yours, we're going to have some really serious disagreements. I'm all too aware that you don't trust me with money - (at least to do as you would with it), and you have ample cause to feel that way, I grant you, but you must also concede that I also have some rights in the matter, even if I do feel justified in sacrificing two bonds for the sake of buying gifts. Furthermore, I shall spend or save my money according to my sense of values with out deeming it necessary to advise you how or why. Since we can't agree on how it is best to use money, I think it is only fair that my opinions and wishes be given equal consideration with yours. You ask me if I don't think $8 is a lot of money for the packages you sent me. Having a pretty good idea of what $8 means to you, I can only say that a lot of money is putting it mildly, it's downright exorbitant! - Much too much to spend just for the sake of giving your husband a moment of pleasure in receiving it, and I trust you didn't compute, too, what part of that $8 worth went into the bellies of my buddies! I feel downright guilty that I was the cause of you spending $8 that might have otherwise gone into the bank account - I really do. Your big gripe, I think, is that the $28 I used to draw before I discontinued the allotment for the bond was sufficient for my needs for a month. True enough - it is quite enough for my customary needs, but it just so happened (because I felt like it) that I wanted to send those gifts - but I'm talking in circles - I think you get the point. To close this miserable letter, let me say that I tried not to write it, but when I'm tread on (as I consider I have been in this case) I instinctively strike back. My instinct to spare your feelings on this occasion was overruled by the other - that is all I can apologize for. No doubt all the foregoing will make you feel very badly, my darling, even to tears, but to compensate you for that know that nothing has brought me closer to tears in years than this letter of yours. Not for any sense of guilt on my part, but for bitterness and regret that you could say what you did, you might just as well cut me with a knife as tell me you are disgusted with me. You don't know me at all, Chippie, (or you have forgotten) if you thought that I could read your letter without being very greivously hurt by it (as you so naively "hope" I won't be), - But I have said all I am going to say tonight. If I have not defended my actions to your satisfaction, Chippie, you may be very sure that it is only because I hate the thought of having to do so for you. Please, if you love me, never make me do so again.

I'm in no fit frame of mind to write of other things tonight, my sweet; at the moment I only feel an overwhelming desire to hold you close to me and let the sweet balm of your body soothe the ache of the anger and mortification that is in me. I love you so much, my Eve, - Perhaps that is why you hurt me so easily. I know that I have hurt you in turn, my darling, and I'm sorrier than you can ever know that it was necessary, but I trust you to understand the necessity for me to save my own self-respect, and, possibly, yours. I trust, too, that you are acute enough to profit from this letter. Good night, my darling, and if I've brought the tears, here's a kiss for each one, I love you - always. Try to forgive

Your Phil

Post #621 - April 2, 1945 So You Took a Bet on the Date of V-day. Sure Do Hope You Win! and I’m Sure Mom will be Happy to Hear from Me After So Long a Time

 

April 2, 1945

My dearest,

This v-mail is dated the second, but it is actually being written on the third. Reason: I was much too tired to attempt writing last night and went right to bed, I shall start an air-mail letter to you when I get home (I'm at work at the moment) and finish it tomorrow. I received three v-mails from you yesterday dated March 23, 25, 26 and a letter from Jack N. When I opened the letter from Jackie, I found a long sheet of paper with the following sprawled across "Dear Evalyn: What's wrong. I'm worried. As ever, Jackie." I hadn't written to him for some time and intend to get some sort of letter off this evening. I half expected the letter to contain news of his plans to be married, but he said nothing. So I'll just have to wait for a reply to my letter. Your v-mails informed me of the feast you had with the package I sent and I'm so glad you and the others enjoyed it so much. Mom is readying a package of food for you and yesterday she showed me a large box of macaroons that is one of the items to make up the package. You didn't say how the package arrived and I presume it arrived in good condition. Eddie wrapped and packed them and he was anxious to know just how they did arrive. Kindly advise. I was so glad that you finally got the proofs and that you thought so highly or them. Undoubtedly you must have the picture of Adele writing on the blackboard by this time and though it is a cute picture, I'm sure you'll agreed it doesn't compare with Lorstan's work. I shall have the pictures made up just as soon as I'm In receipt of the proofs. So you took a bet on the date of V-day. Sure do hope you win! I shall be looking forward to the letter you started on the 20th and finished on the 24th. Thanks for being so thoughtful as concerns my writing when I’m really knocked out. The darn trouble is that I'm knocked out too often these days and I recently increased my vitamin intake to 3 pills a day. I'm beginning to wonder if they are doing me any good. I've informed Mom that you will write at the first opportunity. She sends her love and will write shortly. Immediately after work yesterday I took Adele to Dr. Gayl for her second injection and got home rather late. That's one of the reasons I was so knocked out. In my last v-mail I mentioned that I was waiting for Dot to come to visit me on Sunday evening. She arrived shortly after I had posted your letter. She read your 22 pager and I read the paper and knitted till she finished, just as I said I would. When she finished we went to visit Fay. We played some gin rummy while there and had refreshments. I walked Dot to the bus at 12:30 and got to bed at 1:30. Adele's cold had been bothering her and I rubbed her down with Vicks. She woke and was restless until 4 A. M. when I finally got to close my eyes. I was weary all day Monday as a consequence and that's exactly why I had no patience for writing last night. I weighed myself at the doctor's and found that I had dropped almost an entire pound in one week! Adele had dropped 1/2 pound due to the needle and her cold. Adele is sporting a stiff arm from the effects of last night's needle and was unmanageable this morning. I had a picnic getting her dressed and she didn't want me to go work. She was alright when I left and it will undoubtedly wear out in a matter of hours. I adore you, darling, and will write more this evening.

Your Eve

2 April 1945

My Darling Wife,

Just returned from seeing “Mrs Parkington.” I agree entirely with your own opinion of the film, Sweet, and enjoyed it fully as much as you said you did. I thought Greer Garson adorable. It strikes me that she and Ingrid Bergman have a certain quality in common, but I just can’t seem to put my finger on it—what am I saying? Walter Pidgeon is a most accomplished performer, and was darn near perfect as the Major, but I was conscious during the picture of a very pronounced dislike for the character of the Major. I suspect that most women (including yourself) would find such a man inordinately attractive, but I dislike his type most heartily. No accounting for tastes, is there, Chippie?

Last night, when I settled down to write, it occurred to me that there wasn’t much of anything to write about to you, and since such was the case, I got the bright idea about writing that long over-due letter to Mom. I know you won’t mind giving up one letter under the circumstances, honey, and I’m sure Mom will be happy to hear from me after so long a time.

My chief regret these days is that I still haven’t been able to answer anyone else. If it weren’t for the fact that my letters appear to mean so much to you, honey, I think I might be tempted to skip writing to you for a few days and concentrate on catching up with my other correspondence, but I hesitate to do so at your expense.

It’s time for lights out now, my darling Evie, so I’ll say good night once again, and sign off with all my love to you and the punkin and all.

Always—

Your Phil

Post #620 - April 1, 1945 I’m Expecting Dot Any Minute

Apr. 1, 1945

Dearest Phil,

Today was a typical spring day and I stayed out all morning and most of the afternoon. I arose early, after a fair night of rest, cleaned my room, made breakfast for Adele and myself and headed for Fay’s house. I particularly like her place because of enclosed porch (thanks to her late husband). I can sit and watch Adele, which is something I can't do anywhere else. I parked myself in a comfortable metal chair, which rocks slightly and took a sun bath while Adele busied herself with the rocking horse and other toys on the porch. Fay and Ruth came out from time to time to talk with me and I watched their kids too. I stayed there until 11:30. Before reaching home for lunch we stopped at Betty’s house for a few minutes. I gave Adele her lunch at my mother's house and brought her over here for her nap. While she was upstairs (she wouldn’t sleep, she only rested) I took off the parlor set covers, cleaned the set with the hand sweeper and put camphor in it. I swept the rugs and the front of the house and had my lunch. By this time Adele was getting restless and I dressed her in her little red and green plaid skirt, gave her some milk and took her out again. Adele awoke with a slight cold this morning and had a little trouble getting one eye open. As the day wore on, she seemed better, so I kept her out all day. I hope all traces of it will be gone tomorrow, so that I’ll be able to take her down for her scarlet fever injection. I gave her a warm bath this evening and put Vicks in her nose before she went to sleep.

While I was out with Adele in the afternoon, Petey made three snaps: two of Adele alone and one of her and myself. I wasn’t dressed (am wearing a jumper and socks) but I don't think you’ll be able to tell. I was made up and my hair was combed nicely, so it shouldn’t be too bad. Adele didn’t look too well today and I’m hoping that won’t show up. Well, at least you’ll have some snaps to look forward to in the near future.

I’m expecting Dot any minute, for she promised she’d try to come up to visit me this evening and she’s keeping her promise. She wants to read your 22 page letter, so I’ll probably knit while she does, if I don’t help her reread it. No matter how many times I reread that letter, I still enjoy it.

I started a letter to Gloria yesterday and I’m going to finish it now. I didn’t write to her all month, which is unusual for me. I was just thinking what a nice pleasant evening this would be if you and Snuff were to be present too. Darling, I’m wishing and hoping and praying so hard that it will happen that I can’t wish any harder. Darling, I love you so much! Good night, baby mine, it’s a joy to be

Your Eve