March 4, 1944
March 4, 1944
S.W. Pacific
Dear Mom & Dad: -
It’s Saturday afternoon – guess if I was back there now I’d be strappin’ my skiis to the car & be takin’ off for “Moon Valley”. As it is, I’m sitting in my little tent clad in a pr. of shorts writing this letter with sweat rolling off my brow. This ol’ sun down here, especially at this time of the year is terrific. However this is much better than the candlelight I was writing by last night, so guess I’ll get started answering some of your latest letters.
Have just received two letters – Feb. 14th & 22nd & three V-mails Feb 4, 11, & 18th. Those are the ones I’m behind so I’ll take care of em one by one right now. By the way V-mail & air mail seem to come thru equally as fast from there.
Yes indeed – I have lost considerable skill at that game called golf. It surely was fun tho to get out & swing at that ball again. I didn’t get a chance to play enough to get back in the groove but it’s just as well I didn’t. It would be harder to give it all up then. Naturally there’s no such thing as an 18 holer around here. We have a 4 holer here but we use toilet paper instead of golf club, & par is a hole in one.
Yes – that 3 inches of snow you had on Feb 11th sounds very good to me. I could certainly go for some sloshing around in that stuff. Too bad you’ve had such a meager snowfall this year. Even Cedric A. claims that we boys overseas aren’t missing a thing this year.
I’m certainly proud of the old home state for it’s showing in the 4th War Bond Drive. I read the news to Healy & he too threw out his chest a bit. By the way Denny tells me that you’ve had some telephone chats with the Healys. That’s swell. Get acquainted with them & then we can all get together some time after the war. I’ll bet they’re nice people cuz Denny certainly is tops. We get along great. He’s one of the sharpest men in the Bn. – I’ll learn a lot serving under him, I know.
I sure wish I knew how the sister was faring at this writing. I spose I’ll be getting a report one of these days that she has again produced – but until that time I surely will be “sweating it out”. Just heard from Dot & she tells me that both Nancy & Arlo have been down with the flu. Gee – she certainly must have her hands full – in her condition.
The Reader’s Digest Co. just sent me a B. card & notice that I now have a subscription to their magazine. And now you tell me that your going to have the Time sent to me each month. By golly that’s great news for they’re the two best issues on the market in my estimation – the ones I enjoy reading the most. Thanks for a perfect birthday gift. As yet I haven’t received a copy of either but ‘spect I will soon.
By the way – what a birthday I had! Got soaked in a rainstorm, got that “can’t we be friends anyway” letter from Nancy, & had a headache all day. Oh yes – and lost my raincoat – everything happens to me!
I’ve had a Xmas & a birthday card from cousin Virgy but no letters from her. She must be a busy little wife – guess I’ll have to write & shake her out of her quiescence. Wonder where I got ahold a that big word? Look it up & let me know what it means.
Dad – how were the Golden Gloves this year? According to Charlie Johnson they were the best in the 25 yrs. They’ve been going on. I still think that’s one of the best entertainments you can find for the money – don’t you? The chief of our #1 gun section is an ex G.G. champ. He sure is a husky lad & a mighty handy man to have in the Btry. To take care of certain “odd” jobs. We just say “Sgt. that man over there is a little drunk & acting up.” Then we turn our backs & walk off. Nuff said. The man is quieted down & everyone is happy. No questions asked.
While I’m talking to you Dad – how is the American Linen’s business these days? A while back, Mother mentioned that it was a little unstable because of lack of help & supplies. You haven’t said anything about it lately so just wondered if everything was still going smoothly. Do you still put in a night a week in the laundry?
You asked what kind of a farm those girls lived on. It was just a regular one I guess. Their principle products were milk & beef. Guess you’d call it a cattle farm. It’s all past history now, but we certainly enjoyed ourselves with those two sisters playing tennis & golf & drinking tea, etc.
Certainly do enjoy those V-mail journals you’ve been sending. No – I don’t need a glass. The old eyes are still pretty good.
Some of the men are talking about income taxes these days & some are even figuring them – roughly. However I don’t think anyone is doing any serious worrying over that little problem. I know I’m not for one. Time enuff for those little worries when I get back to the “world”.
Just purchased a Coleman lantern so now we can do some high powered reading & writing at night around here. We’ve been going to bed at 7:30 every evening & up at 7 bells in the morning. Can’t exactly call me a night-owl anymore – can ya!
Had a swim in a nearby river this afternoon so I feel pretty chipper. It is now 6:30 P.M. Just had a good dinner – chicken (canned) peas & dehydrated potatoes. They’re not too bad but I’ll take them straight.
Coll just wrote me a letter telling me that he is now a 1st Lt. He’s still working in a personnel office – claims he’s in the “Chairbourne Artillery.” He says his morale is still high, & his letter sounded like it. Same old Bob.
We had word today that we’re going to get a goodly supply of Pabst Blue Ribbon beer tomorrow or the next day, so everyone is walking around the camp area stepping on their tongues. There’s nothing that’s quite as popular as a bottle of beer in these parts & personally I’m not exactly behind the door when it’s being handed out. It’s been months since anyone here has tasted any American beer.
Well – I seem to be having trouble trying to think of any more news to impart to you. Guess I have to close for now. S’pose I’ll think of something important to say after I have the envelope sealed – it usually happens that way. Anyhow I’ll say so long for the present, and will write again very soon.
Love, Dorance
P.S. Feel swell!
P.S.S. Can you say the same?