Dec. 11, 1944

Dear Dot and Dana,

I got a couple more letters today one was the Christmas card that Dana sent me. I thought it was an awful cute card. I still haven’t got but one of my packages. Oh well, I’ll get them sometime.

That sure was an awful trick for Edith M. to do. I’m darn sure I wouldn’t buy her a $400 coat and take her back.

I don’t understand why Bill didn’t get out to see Gram. And Charlotte said she didn’t go to see her either. I’ll be damned if that old fool would stop me from going to see her. Poor old dear must be pretty bad off now. Wish I could see her once more. Well, I guess we just have to take things as they come and make the best of it. Life isn’t so wonderful at times. Is it?

There are about five hundred seamen and officers in ships Co. on the ship. There are a lot about 18 to 20 and the rest run up to about 30. I feel quite old at times among so many young fellows. But we all get along pretty good.

It has been a nice day but awful warm. We had a swell dinner, chicken, potatoes, corn, fried tomatoes of some kind, apple pie, and ice cream. Not bad, huh? We have chicken most every Sunday.

I went to the movies last night; that was only the second time since I have been on here. After standing in line for about an hour I had already seen the movie, but it was so long ago that I enjoyed it a little.

Dana, I would like to have you send me one of your school papers once in a while. Or don’t you get any good ones anymore? You had better.

Well, darling don’t work to hard and don’t worry about me. I’ll write as often as I can. Although I know my letters aren’t very interesting, it’s the best I can do. Wish I had gone to school a little father.

Good-night kids, I miss you lots and think of you all the time.

Love and kisses,

Daddy