Letter # 434 July 28, 1944

New Guinea
Friday
July 28, 1944
Hello Beautiful;
I've been looking at your picture again and I can't help but think, there is as perfect and beautiful a wife as any man could have.  I'm very much in love with you too.  I went to the show but it was one I had seen.  "Thousands Cheer".  I came back and will use the time loving and talking to you in this unsatisfactory but better than nothing way.  I'm glad I got'cha to write these letters to but I'm sure going to be glad to throw pen and paper away for good and do my talking verbally, and my loving, physically.  Don't think I'll ever want to write another letter.  I know I won't be needing to write any to you.  You will never get that far away from me again.  Better like me, honey.  You've got me and I'll follow you all over all the time.  You're stuck.  I was carpentering all day today, using some of the lumber from our mill.  One thing sure.  I won't loose that knack or get out of practice.  Lots of other things I can't say as much for.  You'll be a teacher again one of these days but only have one pupil.  He'll be an ornery one.  It may be necessary to fail him two or three times before he learns it.  Twenty minute breaks between classes too for practical application. 
Jack Benny is coming to the base camp tomorrow night and we will be furnished transportation to go see the show.  Think I'll go if possible.  If I do you won't get any letter for Saturday.  I'll make up for it on Sunday.  Funny.  Come way over here to see Jack Benny in person. I see what they mean by "it's a small world after all." 
Now I;m going to try to finish answering your letters.  I didn't get any today.  I'm very glad to hear that Margaret is improving so fast. I missed a letter that probably told if it was necessary to operate or not, so I don't really know what happened.  No matter.  The important thing is she is getting along so well.  Maybe that was why when I was home she had Art on stud pasture. 
Honey, just one little thing you may not think of.  If it continues to stay so dry, it would be a good idea to occasionally water the shrubs in front of the house.  I expect you are way ahead of me on this.
So Harold is on the way to bring pop for the second time.  Must be some life in the old boy yet. Yes, I remember the story she told you.  Might be our story one of these days.  I hope the results will be as gratifying as their first one. 
I don't doubt that Steve would like to live at the lake again.  He really likes it there.  Medina is more home to him than anyone suspects.  It was evident in his talk when I saw him in Calif.  Steve isn't his own boss, now, however.  I would very much doubt that Mrs.Steve would like it there.  That is probably why he wouldn't say anything about the house.  He doesn't know yet.  Harold may yet end up with the whole business.  Store and all. 
You are not a dud and I will not let you call yourself one.  You don't happen to like to swim.  Well so what?  I can't dance or sing. At least you do go swimming once in a while.  I never go to a dance.  No, honey, you made the most changes in things we do.  Learned to skate, shoot a gun, ride a bicycle?? [ I still say it was your fault we went in the ditch that time at Put-in-Bay.  I was trying to kiss you.] go hunting, go for walks, play tennis, go fishing, and lots of other things now.  What have I ever learned to do that I didn't do before?  I'm the dud, not you.  You adapted yourself to me and never complained a bit.  You're swell.  I can prove it in so many ways.  
I was very disappointed about the fishing. The rivers have been blasted so much there isn't a fish in them and to fish the ocean a boat is necessary.  Guess the fishing will have to wait. 
I haven't started to count days, months, or anything else yet.  Can't see how it can last too much longer and yet there really is no end in sight.  The thing that is bothering me most is that little phrase "duration plus six months".  Being over here when it ends will probably mean at least the six months and possibly more.  Especially if we don't see combat.  You once said you expected this to end fast now that we are over here.  Well I still say the same as I did at home.  We may look good on paper but I'm afraid we'll turn out to be a "police up" outfit.  I sure hope not.  I want to get home to Mummy as soon as it's over.  I'm following my usual custom of telling you my guesses.  They've mostly been wrong to date. 
Well honey, that catches me up on your letters.  Came out about right for the paper this time.  Guess I'll get my bed ready and dream about you and our plans for a while.  I have a lot of fun doing that.  It's my loving for the night.  Bye, honey.  I love you so much.
Your hubby.
Norm.