Wilson College - World War II

Later Sunday Afternoon My darling: - Ever since December 25-’42, I've been wondering just how it would feel to write this first letter to you - No I am beginning to find out - You've been gone just a very short while, and already I am beginning to wonder how long it will be before you are back again! But- how lucky we are to have such a short distance separating us, and for so brief a time - ‘Wendy-Warren’ just gave a sympathetic thump - you've [pg 2] left me in good hands honey - with ‘W-W’ Muz and KeKo to keep me from getting too lonesome - Muz is listening to “Silver Theatre” - soon we will have supper, and then to bed. Tomorrow we will make the ‘fixings’ for our room, and have an elegant idea for the two maple chairs here in the living room. Wednesday afternoon hope to have Toni and Mrs. Wilson to tea - Thursday Muz is going to Brooklyn with me, and then to have lunch with Helen. She expects to leave Friday - will fill in the 'in-betweens' as they happen - Sweety, is your other blue suit to go to the cleaners? You don't know how much of an “inner-dither” I was in before you left - or perhaps you do- and I'm so glad I didn't disgrace my-[pg 3] self by sympathizing publicly with the weather! You probably told me what to do but it just didn't register - Aunt B. just phoned and Muz had to speak to her, Helen and Anna! Muz has been telling me all about her wedding dress - perhaps Wendy will be able to wear it someday - Well darling you’re about half way there - and I'm with you every minute wishing I was along too - Hope you will be able to phone real soon, and tell me where you've settled and everything - 'Til tomorrow - and with my love - all of it - B- P.S. Found the enclosed in the Time Magazine section [pg 4] It's 8:45 now sweety - you should be in Washington, and I'm going to bed but just couldn't [?] without saying good-night - I do miss you darling - please don't think I'm a silly - it's just that I love you so much - It's a good thing Muz is here or I probably would have followed you on the next train - Hurry back to me darling - Monday Evening Hi dearest: My goodness but this has been a busy day - We got up at 9:00 and had breakfast - straightened up, and then started to work on the gingham - We got lots of ideas we worked - (KeKo is prowling around the desk chair with a piece of organdy) By 1:00 we had the draperies hemmed and all the other pieces cut out - Just wait [pg 5] til you see what we’re doing with my old dressing table skirt! After lunch we both took naps, and about four Betty and Sally came to call - About 5:00 Muz and I went out in quest of some organdy, and we ended our search successfully in Harlem! Darling, there is a wonderful inexpensive yard goods store there - where we can get anything we'll ever need - We had a leisurely pick-up supper - apple juice, scrambled eggs and green beans, toast and jam, Napoleons and coffee. Now we’re hard at work sewing again, and Muz is giving me tips on baby care. It's so good to have her here - [pg 6] Tomorrow Muz is going downtown and will have lunch with Helen - I'm going to stay home - sew and fix a super special supper - Wednesday afternoon Toni and Mrs. Wilson are coming and in the evening Muz is taking Frances, Nancy and me to dinner - Thursday to Brooklyn and Friday we’re having lunch with Peg Tweedy, and then Muz is going up to Conn. You just phoned darling, and it was so very good to talk with you - I was hoping you’d call, but didn't really expect it - mmm Sweety- I do love you so very much. I'm so excited that I've forgotten all the things I wanted to tell you - guess I'll close and mail this right away quick - Muz sends love - And I'll tuck mine along too - B-

Sunday Evening Warren darling:- Have just finished tidying up and feel better - I'm sorry about this afternoon dearest- didn't want you to know I was upset - just one of those things I guess. This waiting is kind of hard- ‘W-W’ is trying hard to get out and have a look at things - Poor honey - guess it's hard work- Aunt Beth phoned about an [pg 2] hour after you left - she's getting impatient too! It's very warm tonight - will read the magazines and PM you left - take a shower and go to bed- Darling - it's so hard not having you here - especially now - but we have been fortunate, and it's not fair to complain - So good-night my dearest - With all my love - I'm yours- Bobby

45 Monday Oct. 3oth 9:30 P.M. My dearest darling: It's pouring rain tonight, and even up here I can listen to the crashing of the waves on the beach. A lonely night, and I've spent a good bit of it rereading your first fifteen letters. I had just come to the one about your finding something at the Ship's store fro me, when the phone rang. It was the Post Office to say there was a Special Delivery package marked Do Not Til Christmas. I said I’d pick it up tomorrow, and asked if there was any mail, the clerk laughed good-naturedly, looked and said no he was sorry, but there wasn't anything. Mrs. Price also phoned to say that Warren have been moved from New Guinea to [Leyte?], and was very pleased with his new surroundings. The cover of the menu you sent arrived this afternoon, but the menu wasn't in it - however, the certificate from Trade Vici was safe inside, and is now gracing the door between kitchen and living room. ‘The [Leatherneck?]’ came too, but I [pg 2] haven't had a chance to more than glance at it yet. It's fun getting those little things now when your mail isn't coming thru. This morning when I came out of the P.O. there was a very old lady [watching?] Wendy intently. She asked if I realized that little sweetie had an exceptionally fine head - I answered that a number of people had mentioned it. She then asked if you wrote or had invented anything, and remarked that you probably didn't like business! I said that you liked to write, and she said that Wendy would too, and would probably be very talented and successful. She then went on to talk about people in general, and left adding that Wendy was an exceptionally fine baby. I can see you smile, but secretly I was pleased. Dr. Parker gave my teeth a good cleaning, and they look much better - two more appointments next week will finish the job. I wheeled Wendy right into the reception room at the nurse's suggestion, and she behaved beautifully. I bought her a rattle at the 5 and 10 and she loves it - alternately [pg 3] shaking it, and sticking the handle in her mouth. I expect the next four weeks will see a tooth thru - every morning we look, and Wendy takes it as a game. When she sees her food coming, her arms and legs start exercising violently and her mouth opens like a little bird. She is doing very well on the three meals a day and seems to be sleeping better. Darling, rereading your letters I realized more than ever how sweet you are to me. My letters beside yours seem so pitifully inadequate - I do wish I could do better - and will try. If there is anything you need at all let me know and I'll send it on to you first class. If mail doesn't take too long, I’d like to bake again too. It's ten and I must take a bath and get to bed- Goodnight darling - I love you dearly- Bobby

46 Tuesday 6:00 P.M. Oct. 31st Dearly beloved: This afternoon I hit a new low, with rain coming down in torrents, and a phone talk with Marge during which she told me that she had decided to take Jeff to Denver for the winter. I had just taken out envelope and paper to write you when Bev called and said there was some mail in our box. I parked Wendy and her rattle with Mrs. Price, and tore down to find your two blessed letters - at the same time the rain stopped and the sun came out. I ran thru them hastily downtown, and then brought them on home to read and savor. I was delighted to hear where you are and all about who you are with - be sure and give my best to them all, and tell Charles to tell Helen to come see me - wish she would come for Christmas, but she probably has other plans. It was fun to read about the tiny tots - do write and describe them and find one Wendy's age so that I can compare them. It was good to see the ordinary numerals again - how bout using [pg 2] the Roman numerals when you are on your way back? Mail service would seem good, and I hope it continues so - was there any mail waiting for you? How shall I send packages? And is there a cable number? And do you know how much I love you? I thoroughly enjoyed your long letter about Henry and Jean. It was good that you and Henry were together so much, and you both probably profited a good bit from it. I was as you were, a bit surprized at their sexual relationship, but thinking about it in retrospect it would seem to fit them perfectly - I laughed at the part about Fran, and recalled [?] instances i.e. John M. and the telephone. Of course I thought about us and our play times, and felt sorry that we had to stop just when we did, because I felt and I think you did, that we had just crossed the threshold of a more deeply satisfying relationship mental and physical than we had known before. No matter, that feeling will stand by us while we are apart and make us even more ready for each other when we are together again. I thought too of extra marital relationships and tried to figure out just [pg 3] exactly how I did feel. I think to be honest, I do not like the idea of your taking other women, tho I would not begrudge you that comfort, because I love you so much. I don't want to share you, nor do I want to deprive you of anything you feel or need. I guess I want you to follow your own dictates, but please darling never say anything about anything you do to me, unless I ask. As for me - I have a stronger sexual feeling than I've ever had before - partly I guess from saving up while Wendy was coming in anticipation of the long months I thought we were going to have to enjoy each other. Be that as it may - I would get no satisfaction out of sharing it with anyone else I'm sure. It's a feeling I'm sure will mellow and become less acute in time, and the release of which I want to share with you when we are together again. And, when that happy time comes don't think you’re going to get off with once a day! We received the Christmas package this morning and already I've put it out of temptation's way also the calendar which I've hung on the bedroom door - How bout something for the bathroom and front doors now? You were your usual wonderful [pg 4] self ordering those things to arrive just when mail from you was scarce. The post cards, pressed flowers, etc. I have in a pile ready to start a new scrapbook, as soon as funds permit. Have still no news of Muz, so I'm sure she is getting along alright - A letter from Grandfather arrived this morning and he sends you his love. Wendy has a new noise - which you can duplicate as I can. Just put your lips tightly together than open and close them rapidly in succession. She grasps anything within reach and holds on tenaciously - grinning broadly when you try to take anything away - just try! It's strange to think it's tomorrow where you are, and that I still have to go to bed. I think the whole set up would make a good children's story. You write as much as you can, and I'll try to type it in story form for Wendy when she is old enough to understand - Daddy's travels and the little boys and girls he meets and what have you - Well, darling, another day gone by bringing us closer together - even if Churchill does say it will probably be another 2 yrs! I love you with all my heart- Bobby

51 9:30 P.M. Nov. 3/ Friday My dearest darling: It's raining buckets, and I'm feeling correspondingly lonely and blue. No letters today, and I reread your last few, and had a good cry. It's hell living without you, and with no prospects of you coming home soon. Wendy in honor of her birthday sat up for a minute alone, but quickly toppled forward - she also started rocking back and forth herself when she sits up. Mrs. Price popped in, and we had an impromptu birthday party - cake and cocoa. I gave Wendy a tiny piece of cake, and she seemed to enjoy sucking on it amid many smiles. Honey, did you leave your extra clothes in Hawaii - or send them home? There is still no word on your books - may have to put a tracer on them. Enjoyed reading the two copies of the Times so much. Made me wish I was back in New York, but don't want to be any unnecessary distance from you. Wrapped the book and news sections [pg 2] and will take them to the Post Office tomorrow. Can you get all the stamps you need? [?] mail you a box of stationery every three weeks, unless you find that isn't often enough. Gosh, darling I just can't get used to being without you, and keep thinking Warren will be home soon, and I'll forget all this - I just keep riding for fall after fall. I do want to be sensible, etc. etc. but I just don't seem to get anyplace. Every once in awhile I feel rational, but it doesn't last and I go haywire again. I wish I had more to do - to make the time go faster - My days are full, but not full enough- Am tired tonight - guess I will go to bed and read for awhile. Love me darling - even if I don't have much sense- Bobby

52 Nov. 4 7:30 P.M. Saturday My darling: I miss you so much - it just seems if I can not go on this way without you. I've tried my best to be the wife you would want me to be under the circumstances - there just isn't anything while you are away. My thoughts keep banging me til I want to scream, and scream and never stop. I'm not hysterical - just terribly confused and lost - Don't worry about me - or about Wendy darling - no matter what I will take good care of her - if only you were home again. I don't know what to do - suppose I shouldn't write to you this way - when it seems there is little you can do to help me - If I don't talk to you I feel as I’d go out of my mind, and if I tried to tell anyone else - if there was anyone else - they would think I was crazy. It isn't fair when mail means so much to you, to greet you this way - I'm sorry dearest. Why can't I be like Toni or Jean and make you proud of me instead of ashamed? There were two letters waiting for us this afternoon 35-36. We've still to get 33 and 34. I don't know why you aren't receiving my [pg 2] mail. Originally you did not give me the Military Government part - do you suppose that has anything to do with it/ Your mail seems to get here better than it did from Hawaii. You last letter received today was written on Tuesday. I was distressed to hear about your getting up so early, and the food you’re eating. If they keep feeding you all those starches you will probably put on weight - Lord, it makes me so furious not to be able to do anything to help you - except write damnable letters that will do nothing but upset you. I hate myself, and my inability to get hold of myself- Father reads the Tribune - I will have him send me the column and forward it on to you - will also see if I can get a copy of the pamphlet. This afternoon Bev N. phoned and asked if I would come help her bake Gil's birthday cake and wrap presents - So down we went, and by 5:30 things were pretty much under control - and the cake in the oven. Wendy and I got home in a rainstorm, and Wendy proceeded to have a crying spell. So I put her on her tummy, covered her with a blanket and a few minutes later she was sound asleep - thumb in mouth. I asked Dr. Lusiguan about thumb - sucking [pg 3] but he said not to pay any attention to it - that it was a sign of a contented baby - Wendy is that - and I'm thankful that this siege I'm going thru is not having any effect on her. When I got her gently up for her bath and supper - she awoke protestingly and stretched - just the way you do after an afternoon nap. When I took her down to Bev's she looked so cunning - like a little gnome in peaked white wool cap and sweater. Big eyes and a bigger smile. The war news is lousy, which is probably one reason I feel so low. It begins to look as if the war will never end, and that it will be ages before you are home again. I wonder what it will be like to live a normal married life - a pleasure we have yet to taste - Days of satisfying work, and night of pleasant relaxation and play - it will seem like dreamland - if the happy days really gets here. And it begins to look as if it is farther and farther away. There was a letter from Dottsy this morning. She said our telegram arrived just after she had left for a visit to [pg 4] New York. She spoke of visiting and liking Carmel last May, and of a V-mail from Fran telling of life in a fox-hole. I was sorry to hear of all Jean's troubles - she is a blithe spirit, and I do hope everything works out for her - especially I hope that she and Henry will be able to have children of their own. But, if they do find it necessary to adopt their family, I'm sure they will make especially good parents. Darling, bear with me, with your help perhaps I will straighten out in time, surely I hope before you are with me. I feel as if I could just see again and have you hold me again everything would be alright- Take good care of yourself - and hold my love tight Bobby

53 Nov. 5th Sunday 9:30 P.M. Dearly beloved Tinker: This has been another one of those difficult days. I felt completely overwhelmed, but am feeling somewhat more at peace with myself after a forced evening of letter writing - I did succeed in writing to Grandfather, Aunt Beth, Doug, Muz and a brief note to [?]. I had a very cheerful letter from Muz this morning. She said that she expects to return home either tomorrow or Tuesday. Albert has gotten her a practical nurse and hospital bed so she expects to be quite comfortable. She is so sweet about the long siege ahead of her. Of course, now she won't be able to get out here, and that is a big disappointment for her I imagine to say nothing of me. She said she had changed the address on the [pg 2] subscription to Times, so it should be coming here to Carmel soon. The allotment check arrived last night - plan to have them sent directly to the bank from now on - Am glad your expenses will be relatively light - I want so much to save money, in case Wendy and I are able to go someplace later on. Wish I knew whether there was going to be any chance of seeing you before the end of the war. That and phone calls would be the only reasons for my staying here - tho damn it all I don't know where to go. Wish Muz had found a use for me in Memphis. Tomorrow I'm going to the A.W.V.S. and see if there is anything for me to do. This afternoon Mrs. Price came rushing over because she had locked herself out. I went over and took her bedroom screen out, and crawled through the window. She leaves Thursday, and I will be sorry to have her go - it's been a comfort to have her nearby. Don't know I'll get to the P.O. when the [pg 3] rainy season starts, but will get there if we have to swim. Wendy has discovered a high shrill noise she can make, and has been practicing all day - much to her delight, and my distress, but I didn't say anything. Her appetite seems to grow daily - and her tummy rounder - don't know how her legs will hold her up when she is ready to stand. Hope mail has started to catch up with you - wish I could hurry it along, or better still talk to you every day - I love you so much- Bobby Nov. 4/42 Went to Philly today to visit with Gg-Taverns beer, cigarettes til 3:00 A.M. (Remember darling) AND WANDERING THROUGH THE WAFFLE WING I LOOKED FOR YOU AND MISSED YOU. Nov. 4/43 All doped up - Keko has 4 babies - two gray-one all black and one red. More flowers, nearly scared the nurse out of her wits tossing the equipment over. Nov. 5/42 Tchaikovsky's 5th 1812 overture, 125th St. Ferry - Walk to Palisades Park - with time out for a beer - White Tower-“Talk of the Town” Nov. 5/43 Feeling somewhat better - Ruth Ebling came to visit, then Warren and more flowers.

54 [“Am not sending letter to [B?] Just can't go back alone”] Monday Nov. 6 1944 5:30 P.M. My dearest darling: Three letters from you this afternoon - 33, 34, and 37. Was so relieved that my letters have started arriving, and pleased to hear that the cable arrived - if late - I hadn't really expected it to reach you at all - What do you mean by ‘a long time’ - longer than 2 years? That seems unbearable. As for the kites - will see if I can get material (it's hard to find) - string is easy to find - But, will it arrive before you leave? Think packages will take a minimum of six weeks from mailing date. It's raining - the rainy season seems to have started in earnest. Honey, I've made a tentative decision, and want your advice. Life here is becoming intolerable - it's too rustic and too lonely - a swell place for a vacation, but not very good over a long period of time. Since you don't expect to be back for a long while - there isn't much point in staying here. So. I've decided that it might be well for Wendy and me to settle in Boulder about the 1st of the [year?]. It's more civilized, homier, and note too far away from the coast. I've written Betty a letter, telling all, and asking her to give [pg 2] me a frank answer as soon as possible. The fare (roommate) and food and expenses with a generous allowance would be about $125. I would sell the crib and carriage and buy another crib in Boulder. One trunk could do on my ticket and the big trunk and 1 wardrobe trunk I’d send slow freight. Our household stuff I would store here in Carmel for the duration. If I skimped, I think I could save enough money to cover everything. However darling - I won't even think about it if you don't want me to, and of course I don't know what Betty's reply will be. Coming to such a place as Carmel, was my mistake, but with so little time to decide, there was little we could do. Will write more later -must bathe Wendy now. 7:15 P.M. I thought when you went away, that I’d want to be alone - but I've found it isn't good for me at all - Too depressing, and since we have no real friends - I’d really be in a fix if I got sick or any emergency came up. If I was in Boulder, Wendy could go to nursery school next year, and I could study at the university. It wouldn't be easy without you. Darling, I can't bear to think of the stretch ahead of us - isn't there even hope of a leave sometime?- It wasn't raining this morning, so Wendy [pg 3] and I went downtown - we cashed the allotment check - and paid the rent, marketed, and when we got home Mrs. Price had lunch ready for me .I broke down yesterday in front of her and she was awfully sweet. Bev N. came up this afternoon because she had the car, and brought your letters. We talked and had coffee and cookies. When she left, Wendy and I went up to see Marge and find out about fares to Denver etc. She offered to share a bedroom with me, but she is leaving Dec. 1st, and I couldn't be ready by then. Have been thinking of your teaching after the war - do you think we could afford it? At the most we won't have more than $600 by the end of the war - That isn't much of a backlog - and if we have to pay for the babies ourselves we won't have anything to live on. I think our best bet til we get on our feet financially is to stay in the Navy - tho not if it means we have to be separated a minute longer. There will be a depression, and we have to take that into consideration. For the present, it isn't so much what we want to do, but rather what we can afford. I hate to put the emphasis on money, when per se it means nothing to either of us, but we have to think in terms of food, clothes, etc. for a family. We can just about get along on what you’re making now - I should say that is a minimum [pg 4] salary for us and possibly a playmate for Wendy. I would work to help, if I could, but when you get home, and Wendy is older running a household will be a full time job. It begins to look now as if conditions in this country are going to be (to put it mildly) in a state of confusion after the war. If we can get into something that will guarantee us a steady salary, I think we ought to if it isn't distasteful to you - nothing would be worth that- I would love to share any kind of a bed with you - even one covered with green mosquito netting! What a bilious outlook! At least you can talk it out with your colleagues - I don't even have that little comfort - tho I doubt that it would do much good. Gosh, it's hell. Mail is a comfort, but I get a sinking feeling in my tummy when I realize that this will take ten days to reach you, and six days for the answer to get back to me - half a month is all - will you be going on from the Marianas or return to H. first? And, darling do let me send you anything that will make life easier for you. Almost forgot - went to A.W.V.S. today, and offered to do anything I was able. They seemed pleased and promised to phone me. Wendy has quite a range of sounds now - almost like talking - when she discovers a new one she practices it and then combines it with others in her fast [pg 5] growing repertoire. Her hair is growing fast and is very silky. Tonight she tried to pick up the bottom of the bath tub, and to play with the light reflected in the water. Well, my darling, another day gone by, and tonight I shall crawl into bed with you, so that you can put your arms around me, your leg against mine, and hold me tight - I love you- Bobby Nov. 6/43 Talked my way into coming home a day early - the kittens are priceless - dessert and coffee at the Deanes - then to see the first act of [fujiu - Kai?] play Honey, you figure out the Christmas present opening time - it's too confusing - Guess I'll have to open mine Christmas Eve if you are to have yours Christmas day - no? I could keep Wendy's and family presents til the next day -

58 Friday - Nov. 10th 9:30 P.M. My dearest darling: I miss you so much - feel all tied up inside, and so afraid - would do anything to be with you - If I can just keep faith until you are back with me- This has been a full day - Marge and Jeff took us downtown - there was a letter from you, but still you say nothing of receiving more mail - We went to the bank, and then came home. Paula and Keeo came over and we had coffee and doughnuts. At 12:30 we went up to stay with Jeff while Marge went over to Fort Ord to have an allergy rash looked at. She was gone til 3:30, and I had lots of fun playing with the two babies. When Jeff woke up from his nap, Wendy and I went in - and got him dressed. I put both babies on the bed during the process - and they patted hands gently. Then with a baby under each arm (you would have loved that picture!) we went into the living room. Jeff is just about ready to walk, and is quite a handful to take care of. I put Wendy in the Taylor [pg 2] Tot for a short while, and she loved it. When Marge got back, we came on home and went downtown with Paula - no more mail, but we enjoyed the ride. It's been raining intermittently all day, but the sun comes out periodically. Wendy doesn't seem to mind the rain at all - I just bundle her up in her [bunting?] and she keeps snug and dry- Did I tell you that she tries to pick the stone out of my ring, and the stripes off your pyjamas? I took her into bed after her breakfast - and neither one of us got any more sleep - She is very strong, and when her fist lands on you - you know it. The news is bad today - everyone's morale is going to be undermined if it keeps up. The commentators seem unduly pessimistic. That combined with falling off a week early if probably what ails me tonight. If you have anyway of getting the name of a sedative for me I wish you would because I'm so tense it's physically and mentally uncomfortable. There isn't any reason for me to go to a doctor - I guess it's just a natural reaction. I am going to mail you some more [pg 3] newspapers tomorrow - I hope they get through. Sweety-don't ever hesitate to send even a line or two - it means so much to get even your briefest note. I feel a surge of relief run through me every time I see your airmail envelopes in our mailbox. If only those boxes could talk - what stupendous stories of human emotions and experiences they would tell. It's 10:00 now - the only time time really seems to move fast is when I'm writing to you - I think of you always - especially when I go to bed - and when I wake in the morning the first thing I do is curl up beside you because I know you’re in bed too - Think of me so I'll dream of you - I cherish each one - those times together no one can take from us - not even the Navy! Goodnight, my darling Wendy's daddy - we love you so much. Bobby

59 Nov. 11 - Saturday 9:00 P.M. My dearest darling: It seems now so very long til you will be home again - The months are stretching endlessly ahead - and it's hard - so very hard to think about it. My need for you grows more intense each day - and now the wait seems almost unbearable. This morning it was pouring when we got up but Bev came by for us about 11:30, and we went to Monterey anyway. Gil, Jonesy and Brainard all have C cards, and since they take turns driving to the field the other two cars are left here - Both wives are expected back this week, and I'm looking forward to meeting them. Especially, since I've heard that Skip Brainard plays a good game of tennis. There wasn't much to do because all the stores were closed observing Armistice Day, but Bev was able to attend to errands at the laundry and cleaners. We came back here for lunch after doing a bit of marketing downtown. Bev left shortly after 3:00, and about 5:00 Paula and Keeo came over. [pg 2] They stayed to see Wendy bathed and fed. Keeo was thrilled when I let her hold the bottle for Wendy's last ounce. She is a cunning youngster, but spoiled. Whimpers when she can't have what she wants. I'm glad Wendy isn't old enough to irritate her. I think little sweetie is getting ready to cut a tooth, because she chews on anything she can get hold of, and drools almost continuously. I went in the bedroom a few minutes ago, and she was sound asleep on her tummy - head resting on her tiny arms and legs froggy fashion. She is a round, cuddly constantly moving bundle - I love to hold her and sing and talk to her. Paula says she's much more active than Keeo was - Remember how she wiggled before she was born! Wonder why we haven't heard from John and Betty - and about the pictures - I sent an Airmail Special over a month ago. Wendy is making little noises in her sleep - must be having a dream - It's such a comfort to have her in the bedroom at night - and hear her breathing and making sleeping sounds. [pg 3] I've been reading a book titled “The Days Grow Cold” and it's about a little girl named Lucinda. She has a very active mind, and [a?ing] imagination. I laugh as I read, and wonder what Wendy will be like when she is 5 or 6. Most of all I wonder what she will look like when you get back - and I try to picture you holding her - If it was now she’d probably smile and plant her fist in your eye or try to grab your nose as she does mine! Your ivy plant is doing beautifully, and I'm so happy to have it. When you get back to Honolulu you must have your picture taken for me right away. I'm looking forward to your getting back there so much. There is a program on now from the Mark, and I'm wondering how long it will be before ‘Top of the Morning.’ When it finally comes, I probably won't believe it. Oh darling if I could just run into your arms right now. What will it be like not to have a separation hanging over us - I can not imagine- I am tired tonight - guess it's bedtime- Goodnight - my dearest one - I love you with all my heart- Bobby

60 Sunday Nov. 11 9:15 P.M. 11/42 Waffle Wing - Introduction to Casey - the flamingo-[Blenheims?] - bowling at 4:00 A.M. 11/43 Holding tight-Jean and Henry stopped by this afternoon - We sent a bushel of apples to M. and F. The red kitty has one eye opened. My dearest darling: I’m sitting here curled up in the armchair listening to the symphony and writing - they’re playing the Viennese Waltz just having fun: shed Franck's Symphony in D. I'm sleepy from a glass of sherry we had before supper. This morning about 11:00 we walked downtown with P and K - Keeo was thrilled when I let her help wheel the carriage. At the P.O. there were 2 letters from M and F, one from Muz, one from Jean - and a 5 pager from you - It was a wonderful letter, and I've been rereading it all day. We then walked around downtown - decided to eat Thanksgiving dinner out together, and then come on home. Marge and Jeff stopped by about 4:00 - the two babies just about ‘ate up’ the Sports Section of the Sunday paper which I gave them to play with. Wendy had printers ink all over her face and hands - together with cucumber from her first piece of zwiebach. About 5 P and K came over - they watched Wendy have her bath and dinner again. After she was safely tucked in - we had our supper -[pg 2] Baked beans, Bisquick cinnamon rolls, carrot and raisin salad - canned figs and Toll House cookies I baked - Gladys' phoned to say that two letters from me had been put in her box by mistake: Of course, my curiosity took hold so Paula drove us down (Wendy snugly wrapped in a blanket I warmed over the register) The letters were from Will and Mottsie - so I was glad we went down. The letters from Will and Jean I'm sending in separate envelopes, the same time as this. Tomorrow morning we are driving over to Pacific Grove - and I hope to do some Christmas shopping at Holmans. Also plan to buy some material and patterns for Wendy. Paula is an experienced sewer, and I hope to learn a lot from her. Wendy is such fun to dress - never fusses - can hardly wait for her hair to grow long enough to curl. I'm so glad you are getting mail again - Have sent out at least 7 packages to you - do you suppose they will ever catch up with you - Nothing important, but I do want you to have some sort of a Christmas. Will look for the folder tomorrow, and see if I can find one. Hope to have some more pictures to send on Tuesday. Marcia has received the coral necklace so you will probably have a note from her soon - I'm awfully glad you sent it. [pg 3] Hope the conjunctivitis clears up - it's a nuisance I know - particularly when your eyelashes are all stuck together in the morning. Speaking of lashes - Wendy's are lovely-dark, long and curly - Her face, even now, is bright - much more so than most babies around - even older ones - and strangers who stop to look at her comment on her eyes and facial expression. You will just have to be home when she gets to the questioning stage - I'll never be able to keep pace with her. The ben and jo has turned into ‘jo-jo’ - we'll just have to wait til Wendy talks and find out what happens - She hasn't missed a day yet - and I'm so glad - Her mummy is getting better too- Have three papers ready to send - keep the outgoing mail on the piano and the rest of the letters on the desk. Must bend the hair and to bed [jo?] Goodnight darling - lots of love from your big and little sweeties- Bobby

61 Monday-Nov. 13- 5:15 P.M. My dearest darling: Keeo is over here - alternately banging on the piano, and reading a magazine upside down - so I don't know how far I will get. This morning P and K and Wendy and I drove over to Pacific Grove and Monterey to do some shopping. I found out that I could shop at the Presidio Commissary - that means a saving for us on canned goods. Your letter to M. and F. was waiting also a copy of Amerasia concerned with Japan that I am anxious to study. The letter I forwarded. After lunch Wendy and I went downtown to get your Special - I mailed the letter to Muz - Of course, I don't mind your sending alternate letters to her. I ask only that you write a separate page for me in those letters - or even half a page. I was happy to hear you had sent Albert money for flowers - I was able to send $2 but I don't suppose Jean could get much for that. It takes so long to get answers back - Muz's fall seems like such a long time ago. By now you know that I won't be going to Memphis - Much as I would love being with Muz - it's a bit of a relief to know I don't have to make the move. When you get [pg 2] back, let's live in one place just for 2 years to see what it feels like - If at any time Mux needs or wants me - we will leave just as soon as we can. Of course, now I know that we’d come back here to wait for you - I guess I'm getting more settled in Carmel - and feel so much easier now that P and K are right next door. Besides the Special, there was your letter telling about the photograph - I'm so glad you like it. I remember your tentmate Mac - he has a son Duncan doesn't he? Keeo has just informed me that you would be home on Wednesday! Oh well - I can dream, can't I? Last night just as I turned out the light I thought - come to bed soon, darling - you see you really can't be far away- Keeo's drawings look like this: Make any sense? It will be fun to see what Wendy does with a crayon and paper. Keeo says ‘I think it's her bath time, and I say ‘Not quite’ - ‘Why?’ and so on ad infinitum. Honey I don't want to harp on money - but we've got to have a back log for the end of the war - til you settle into whatever you are going to do - I just don't want to borrow any more - we've got to be on our own - Is there any way of getting something lined up before the war's end - if you decide not to stay in the Navy? 8:45 P.M. Have just washed and put up the hair- now I'm beside the fire which is [pg 3] blazing merrily. Little sweetie is making sleeping noises and I am waiting for you. Am looking forward so much to your getting back to Hawaii. When you leave next time will it be for the duration or can't you say - and why don't they let you come home for a few days? Or shouldn't I ask! Damn it all - when I'm not low, I'm mad - fine thing - And all I need is you with me to make everything alright again. Lots has happened to me in the almost two months you've been away. I feel as if I’d been spinning dizzily, and was just now beginning to slow down. Sweety- I miss you, need you, love you and will be so gloriously happy when we are together again. I've asked you so many questions that are still unanswered. Answer them for me darling when you can - Into the tub now - and then to bed - A heartful of love- Bobby