Correspondence, World War, 1939-1945., World War, 1939-1945--Women.
258 Saturday - 4:30 P.M. - May 12- My Dearest Darling: That “Mother's Day Special” is really wicked. Last night after I went to bed at ten, I lay awake for two hours, my imagination so kindled that I could feel you making love to me, a terrifically exciting feeling. Finally, I couldn't take any more - got up and fixed a drink that would bowl anyone over, hopped back into bed, cracking my head against a door on the way - that coupled with the quick taking drink knocked me out in short order. I woke early still feeling excited - its amazing what a few typewritten pages can do. This separation certainly isn't making my desire and need for you any less keen - on the contrary they grow daily more acute. This has been a real day [pg 2] for me at the Post Office. The special with pictures plus two very long letters #s 216 and 217. The Special Man caught us just as we were leaving the house about eleven oclock. He's a jovial guy - said smilingly-“Mrs. Johnston, guess you know what you husband thinks of you - you get more mail than anyone else in Carmel!” Yes, sweety, Sammy is the florist - he doesn't have a delivery boy - does all the work himself. Still don't know the SM's name, but you could just address it to: Special Delivery Carrier, Carmel Post Office. I would precede the package with a letter, so that he'll be sure the package is for him, because there is also a rural carrier. As far as I know the S.M. only smokes cigars - have never seen him with a cigarette, but I'm sure he could use the case for cigars - its big [pg 3] enough. I felt so good after leaving the P.O. that I bought myself another lovely white shirt - the material is beautiful and its cut superbly - Its fun having a clothes fund, that I can use, so that I can buy things I like when I see them instead of waiting to think about it. I finally got around to ordering that tailored gabardine dress I sent you a picture of several months ago -choice of colors, either pale pink, or orchid green. Awfully glad I splurged on the cherry colored sweater for my birthday - makes me feel good every time I wear it. Saw Dana downtown - think she finally has caught on to the fact that I don't like to be trailed around town, and [pg 4] life's much pleasanter. This last batch of pictures is good - my little book is all full - think I'll try to get a red one to match. Was particularly glad to get the picture showing your corner of the tent - That's quite a rogue's gallery you have. Darling, I don't think we can afford to have Wendy's pictures as well as mine taken separately. I want Wendy's pictures taken right after her birthday - do you think it should be Wendy alone or the two of us together? If you want to wait I'll promise to have my picture taken for your birthday. Of course, Norman may have gotten some good pictures, but there's just no hurrying him - we'll have to bide our time I guess. [pg 5] 7:45 P.M. Helen came in just then - Walter has been wounded. His letters reached her before the telegram fortunately. In one of them he asked that I tell you that he was on his way back to Guam by hospital ship. He probably has gotten in touch with you already - if you see him as you probably will, because he expects to be there a month, tell him for me that Helen is wonderful, and he can be very proud of her, as she is of him. For security reasons I can't tell you any more, but you've probably heard all about it by now anyway. I had Helen over here for over an hour, and fixed good strong drinks for us both. I offered to fix dinner, but didn't press it as I know it will help her to have something to do for Bobbie. [pg 6] Darling, this was such a shock I don't know what to think. Somehow, I’d gotten a certain feeling of security about you, which is all gone now. Oh sweety, I'm so worried about you, and what you may be getting into before you get home. This war is such hell for everyone. 8:30 P.M. Sweety, I was going to write you a big, long happy letter tonight - now I'm all mixed-up - guess I'll get down to answering your letters, and maybe I'll get straightened out. 216 Again you anticipate my thoughts - just this week I've been thinking about what I’d do, if you let me know in time for me to get up to San Francisco to meet you. At first, I thought I’d try to get two adjoining rooms at either “The Mark” or “Fairmont,” so that Wendy could have a room to herself. But I suddenly realized that before the war is over I don't stand a chance of getting one room much less two. [pg 7] San Francisco is so crowded, that only men with orders stand a chance of getting anything. Bud is due back in November - so Bev won't be here next spring, but perhaps I can find someone reliable to leave Wendy with for a couple of days. Darling, if its possible, I want to be alone with you for a little while, before we are together with Wendy. I'm terribly anxious for you to see her, but I think we both need those first few hours alone. Another 10 months or so seems so awfully long to wait. Jean, in a note to me, said that she was going to try for an office job in Connecticut. Life in Memphis must be pretty miserable for her, and I don't blame her for wanting to get away. If Jean isn't going to get married, she won't settle down in any one place til she finds someone congenial to live with - its [pg 8] obvious by now that she needs one person with whom she can do things and confide in. I can understand her problem so well, and wish there was something I could do for her, but don't know what it would be. Muz and Albert are in New York now. Muz is going to stay this next week with Aunt Beth and Helen. I'm so anxious to see Wendy's special birthday present, but we won't open it til her birthday. I have half an idea as to what it might be - will tell you if I guess right. Haven't had a picture of me taken in the vest yet, but will do so soon. I still plan to bake a cake for Wendy. It will probably be a risk, because I haven't attempted baking anything but cookies, for just about a year now. [pg 9] Funny your dreaming of our house hunting in Grand Rapids, Michigan - did I mention that the Scotts, David and Motts were living in or near there? You really are getting lots done at the school - its amazing how much there is to do. I wish you could stay right there with the school til it was time to come home. We shall both be fully prepared to love and make love when you get back - we can't help but be after all this separation is doing to us. Wendy eating pretzels is a good picture, but Wendy with a lollipop is even better. Got the pictures off to Janie Mook yesterday - will have a set of reprints made to send you next week. Your idea about fastening the g[?]n to wool yarn is perfect - I can sew the yawn to the cloth knot on the underside of the geta, then braid [pg 10] the yarn to go thru the lapel of my suit. I was disappointed too, cause I do want to wear them. Its nine now, and in half an hour I'm going to the P.O. I don't expect any more mail, but there may be something else from Walter for Helen. She had three rather lengthy letters this afternoon, written after he was wounded, parts of which she read to me. Evidently, tho not too badly wounded, he had a very close call. I know you'll do anything you can for him, if you do get a chance to see or get in touch with him. I love you with all of me my precious darling - please come home safe to me soon- Bobby