December 26, 1944

Dear Sisters,

I have a little time [before] I go to work, so I’ll list my Christmas cards for you.

The Pillans we had for dinner, Uncle Clarence, Herb Colly, Uncle Elmer, Howard Sawyer, Mildred, Katheryn, Irma, [TOOF], Emma & Julian R., Ely & Bud, Mary’s Uncle & Aunt, Cromptons, Aunt Laura, Landigs, Mary Jones, Ely’s neighbors Pringles, Chip & Helen Erbe, Sittlers, Ruth & Clem, Weavers, Margaret, M. Gould, Broadheads, G. Welling, Breechers, Gen. Goeffert, Lowers, Johnsons (where I stayed in N.C.), Howell’s family; I think that is all.

I have some letters here to answer so I’ll do it now, if possible. Boy you surely must be having terrible weather. We have no snow on the ground and it isn’t too cold. It was nice that Frank and Charlie got your Christmas tree. I bet John (Butch) Powe is cute saying the Pledge of Allegiance.

There is nothing I know of that I wanted or need for my birthday Kathryn. Thanks for asking.

I think the Germans are stronger than we figured. They surely are giving us hell over there right now. I wonder how long it will go on. It is a big set back for us and the British just keep killing Greeks, instead of trying to ease the situation.

So Charlie is finally getting at fixing up his house some. It surely takes a lot to move him. I guess Junior has aged and is nervous from what he has gone through. So another one hiding behind a shirt and an engine is getting caught up with. If only that Claude would get it.

You surely have your trouble with the Erkins. Why the devil did they put up a new fence? They have a lot of guts not even asking you before hand. I don’t blame you for getting burned up.

I’m just part time cook now that I am on late shift. I make the lunches or warm them up, she makes the things the night before. Mary isn’t affected by the strike, as yet anyway.

Well must go now

So Long

Love

John