January 2, 1944

January 2, 1944

Same Place

Dear Folks –

Today I just received one of those old V-mails of yours that must have traveled all over the So. Seas – dated Oct. 26th. It was the one telling about Mrs. Schaper being a first cousin of Betty Norberg’s. Yes – I certainly agree with you, it is a wee world. Of course viewed from the promenade deck of a Navy transport for days on end it will appear quite large. I speak from experience.

I saw “ My Friend Flicka” when I was back there at Stoneman & also thought it was an excellent story. It was definitely a rest from the usual war theme.

Also received your Dec. 12th letter today & two Xmas packages from you yesterday – also Elaine’s package. The underwear, sox, & hankies were a swell idea – can always use them. We get plenty of candy & gum here but I’m sure I can handle the surplus O.K. The peanut brittle candy was a bit melted & out of shape but still very tasty. Just lost an eversharp a couple o’ weeks ago so the pencil surely comes in handy. It arrived just a week late but at least I got them on New Years Day which is something. Thanks for everything – it was a real touch of Christmas even tho the snow wasn’t there.

Things are still the same here. It continues to be beautiful weather & we’re all still having a nice rest & a good time. Gene & I just got back to camp yesterday after spending 3 days, including New Years Eve, in town.

Horse racing is a big sport down here you know, especially during the Xmas holidays – they have several big races at that time. I had never seen on & neither had Gene so we went one afternoon. Everyone bets on the races so we naturally proceeded to do the same. First thing we did was to plunk down about a dollar & a half on a horse to win. Well the nag did & we both collected about 4 bucks & then got reckless with our winnings. Now you think I’m going to say “we lost it all.” No – we had beginner’s luck. I came out with $15 profit & Gene walked out with $12. On the last race I backed a horse to win & the nag came in second. I thought I had lost but the winner was disqualified for dirty riding which gave me a winner.

We spent N.Y. Eve at an Officer’s Club in town. We danced & raised the roof till about 3:30 A.M. & then proceeded to the nearest restaurant for steak & eggs. I played a “one armed bandit” slot machine during the evening & dropped a $9 jackpot. It was the first time I’ve ever seen the 3 bars come up. Guess I must be having a cycle of good luck or something.

I’m wondering where you all were when the “Auld Lang Sines” were being sung. Hope your hangovers didn’t give you too much trouble the next morning. I had a slight one but I think it was more from lack of sleep than anything else.

Got to get up early in the morning & give calisthenics so I’d better call it a night.

Hope all is fine at home. It certainly is here. G’night.

Love, Dorance

P.S. Nancy hasn’t written me for over a month – guess I’ll be a woman-hater. Elaine & I will have to get together & fret.