Tuesday, May 19, 1944

My Darling Wife:

By the time you receive this you will not doubt have concluded that your husband is out sailing the blue again, but the truth of the matter is that it has been about 6 days since I have written to you. I must ask your forgiveness. I have been busy, but I should have at least dropped you a few lines several days ago.

I have received your 5-5 and 5-6 since I last wrote you. The jokes you sent me in your 5-5 were really good….the sailors buying the hose, the filling station customer, etc. and the 2 “Blondie” strips.

I guess one never gets through with “book larnin” as long as he lives. I am going to classes in two different courses now. Don’t guess they will last more than a couple of weeks, but they are keeping me busy for the time being.

I also received Goochies announcement. I didn’t think they were so terribly ___. At least not for High School announcements. Sounds like Rose and her husband were very lucky in Washington. I guess ou must have told me about his course, etc. in another letter that I haven’t received as yet.

I received a letter from mother written on the El Capitan on her way to Kansas City. I was really happy to hear she was getting out of ___ City and ___ a bit even if it is for only a few days.

You poor ___ - - no mail and “Schwest” getting some every day. Does Ken write her every day? Guess warrants have more spare time than Ensigns. I have found out that the longer men stay in the Navy the more proficient they become at getting out of work. I don’t blame them however, as anyone who has been in the Navy very many years deserves something even if it is only to take it easy. Don’t ever let any one kid you about officers doing less work than Warrants and Chiefs, because those old timers know how to stay out of work as I said above, and they really cash in on their knowledge. I suppose there are exceptions, but as yet I haven’t found any on the Mighty “I.”

Ted Vilas is moving around quite a bit isn’t he? He is lucky because very long on one of those island bases would drive you nuts…at least it would me. Evidently he can say where he is since he is land based. I am beginning to see what a definite advantage that would be as time goes by. You said it right when you said (Ha) about the hunting and fishing. He may get it done some places, but not in very many.

I have started taking the Vitamin tablets as I haven’t felt too hot the last few days. I don’t really feel bad but just sort of listless so perhaps the vitamins will help me. I think the only trouble is that I sweat too much. You know how much water I drink, however, so I would think I should keep even. I am beginning to think there isn’t any place in the world where it isn’t too hot or too cold. You might send me some more “Plenamines” or something similar if you can get a hold of them sometime.

I hope you can find some kind of an apartment in the City. I have been worried all along as to what you were going to do.

I was glad to hear that Papa Rick had nothing seriously wrong. I guess Jean must be getting like Virginia alright. I don’t quite see where what he had would indicate cancer, but I am, of course, very “tupid” in medical affairs.

Jack should be coming home around Christmas time, shouldn’t he? When did he go up there? Wasn’t it in January or February, 1943? I would be satisfied if I could look forward to coming home for Christmas. I don’t guess it’s impossible as anything can happen in war.

I, too hope your Aunt Bernice is correct, but after looking in the mirror I’m afraid she is over-optimistic. I still have a hunch we will be the proud parents of a baby girl in which case she will probably be a “Dutch Dolly” like her mother…so you see we have nothing to worry about. Mother liked your picture very much and I’m not the only one in the family that thinkd you are “pretty.”

It sounds as if you are going to have a lot of “fetchin up” to do in regard to “Moe.” Just think what a time you would have had if Juliet would have had all girls instead of those nice, refined, well behaved boys. Yeah Pooks!

Last nite we had “The Iron Major.” It wasn’t so hot in my opinion.

Mrs. Geer and her inside information sound a little far fetched to me. At the end of four years I hope this war is in the History Books and no place else.

Well, My Darling Pooks, I will close for now. I won’t wait so long to write next time.

Your Husband,

Paris S.

Later Friday

We just had a big mail call and I received all your letters I was short except 4-10 which was probably written April 16^th.

I haven’t had time to read any but the 1^st three, but the money order is here and your letter saying you received the gifts.

I will answer them all tomorrow, if possible, but just wanted to know they had all arrived.

So long again,

P.S.