Monday, Jan. 4, 1943

8:15 P.M.

Dearest Mary Ellen

Well darling I was lucky today and got off work at 6:00. I guess I had better start from the beginning of today.

Last night before going to bed I had a lot of popcorn and cookies and I think that was the reason I dreamed all night. It seemed like I no sooner got to bed than the C.Q. (change of quarter. The fellow who is responsible for getting up the guards and K.P.’s) came in and got us up. That was about 4:30. The fellows who are on K.P. have to hand a towel on the front of their bed so the C.Q. can find them easily. Anyway we go right up and went to the wash room and cleaned up. Darling I am certainly using the brush a lot. The swell case you sent was about the most practical thing you could have sent. I have all my things in it that I will need, all except my wash cloth and towel. I guess I can tell you just what I have in it and then you’ll know. First I have my shaving cream, razor, comb, brush in the bottom and my tooth powder and brush and, soap in the black case you sent. Those things just fin in the case and don’t overfill it. I don’t zip it up because I am always using it. Now to get back to this morning. I use the brush every time I wash or dress up to brush my hair good. I use it a lot in front, I’m trying to get a more even hairline in front, and I thought that might help. I also thought it might help to keep down any bails or pimples on my neck. I’ve had very few, but I think brushing my neck good will be a good idea anyway. Don’t you think it’s a good idea darling. When I go over to wash and clean up, I really do a good job. I just pick up my little kit, any towel + washcloth and away I go. I’ve sure been sidetracking a lot.

Anyway we finished cleaning up + then came back and put out toiled articles away. We went right to the mess hall then and it was 5:00 when we got there. Roll was called and after that we had breakfast, during which we were assigned various jobs. Jim and I were put on the dish washing machine and we started in right after breakfast. The doors were opened about 6:00 and the mob started coming in. I was on the end of the machine where the dished came out and even with gloves on my hands looked like they had been boiled. The machine is the same kind as they have at Ft. Lewis on which I had a day. The machine is open at both ends and the trays of dishes or silverware are pulled thru it by a conveyor inside. Streams of hot water + soap mixture are forced on the dishes from top, bottom and sides. It is almost steam it gets so hot. Boy it was the hottest spot I have ever been in. And I’ve been in some hot spots haven’t I darling. Remember when I slept thru until eleven and didn’t come out after you. Golly, those were the good old days. It actually hurts to think about them. I guess its just human nature to appreciate things only after you can’t have them. I’ve just got to come out of this mess in one piece because I want to do so many things with you. You’ll be treated like a queen darling, at least for awhile. I’ll be afraid to trust myself the first time I see you. Back to today’s events again dear. Well we finished with breakfast by eight and were then given a half hour off to come back and make our beds. When Jim and I had got here, Frank had our beds made and our area all fixed up, so we just sat around and talked until 8:30. As soon as we got back to the mess hall, we had to clean the washer and the mess hall and everything. When I say everything, I mean everything. About 10:30 we had lunch and again the rush only I wasn’t at the hot spot, “not little me” I saw a soft job and jumped at it. It so happens that they are painting and varnishing all the kitchen tables + about three K.P.’s are detailed to help. Well at 12:00 they needed one more man so I was right there. Jim is on it too, and we have a pretty good time. At three I got 15 min. off and went to the dayroom for mail, I got a letter from my little darling + Jim had a letter also so I took it to him. I took time to read it here and by the time I finished it was time to get back. We worked on the tables until we had them finished, at least until they dried overnight. It was exactly six when we finished and the mess sergeant let us off. The others K.P.’s didn’t get off until 7:30. We are going to try and get off early every night but it might not be possible. By painting we will keep off of washing pots and pans and other distasteful chores, so we are pretty smart people. I played bob a game of ping pong when I got here and be beat me. I then went over and washed up. Before writing your letter I just sat around and talked for awhile. That’s what had happened up to this moment.

I heard today that we were leafing next Monday for Lincoln. You had better not write after you get this letter which will be about Thursday. I’ll try and send a telegram if I leave or if I don’t. I may not get a chance. I’ll write every days so I might be able to tell you for sure whether I’m going or not, by Friday or Sat. If I’m able to send a telegram I’ll send a night letter + you would get it Tuesday. I’ll be the lowest man in the world if I don’t get to go. I’ll go awol if feel low enough.

It was quite cold here all day long, and I was plenty glad to be in a warm building all day long. If I had been on the line I would have been plenty cold. The gas that we wash the engine parts in on the line is almost like alcohol and your hands just about freeze in it. Especially in the morning when it’s cold. Well dearest I had better answer your letter before I use a couple more pages just gabbing.

You say you could only get one jar of chipped beef, that would be one jar too much for me. The money I went will take care of the box rent and other bills darling. You should have it now.

You must be a brown beauty with all those sun lamp treatments. I bet your trying to get all glamorized for the day when I see you. You want to be careful and not bet burned with it. After you get a little tan, it won’t be so easily to get burned.

I knew I would get bawled out for gambling. You don’t have to warn the though dear. I haven’t the money or brains to win in gambling.

Boy Oh Boy I sure stuck my chin out, when I asked about the old spice. I’m sorry darling. I remember now. It had just slipped my mind.

Darling the things you say in your letters about not scratching my head the first few nights, you shock me sweetheart, but I sure agree with you. You suspicious little monkey. Just because I said some of the Mexican girls you jump to conclusions. Well I meant all of them that I have see. There aren’t many Mexicans here. I guess I told you about getting my shoes shined down town by a little Mexican varmint for two cigarettes. That was quite awhile ago.

I’m glad to hear that you are getting to bed earlier. You were pretty bad for awhile. If you were with me it would be different. AHEM! Your speaking of home just reminded me of the turkey we are having tomorrow. I saw them unpacked today. They were frozen. They are all hens, and packed by Armour. The butcher said there were 200 of them, 1500 lbs in all.

I hope you are right about marrying a corporal, but I heard that while in school, it wasn’t possible to make any ratings. We will find out won’t we dear.

Well honey this letter is in my opinion a masterpiece. I hope you like it.

I’m being good darling. I can’t be anything else, when I’m away from you. Is Ponty behaving all right now dear? You want to keep her in pretty good shape because she might have to go on a trip one of these days. Don’t forget to have the oil changed when necessary + have her greased because the water and mud is hard on her.

Well dearest can I say good-night now and relax for the rest of the evening. I’ve really enjoyed writing this letter because it’s so long and I know you will like it.

Good-night my darling

Your future husband

(Glenn)

P.S. Please explain to Beulah why I haven’t answered her letter yet.

P.S. You should see my dishwater hands dear. I never want you to get them. I’ll have to do all the washing for you I guess.

P.S. It just started to rain