New Guinea
Thurs. eve.
Oct. 5, 1944
Sweetheart;
I told you I thought I could safely answer the last letter I had 'cause I felt I'd get some today. I did. Sept 24 [2 of them] and Sept 25 from my wife. One from Mom and one from one of the Aussie boys I met on the trail. The fellow who was from the sheep station in south Australia. I'll tell you a bit about it. This chap, his name is Neville B. Smith, is the one I talked to most that night. I never got his age but I'd judge him to be 25 or so. Married too. We exchanged names and address before we parted that night.
The next morning we had decided to push on early to avoid the heat, contrary to our decision of the night before to accept their hospitality until noon at least. Well I slung my pack and picked up all my gear and went in to say goodbye and thank them for everything.
Smith was missing and I supposed he had either gone early or was still in bed so I left my best wishes with his two "mates". Now it seems by his letter he was in the back room washing and when he looked in he didn't recognize me with all my gear on so he didn't come out. He very humbly apologized for his bad manners. Few Americans would have thought anything of it. I know I wouldn't have. He hopes I'll forgive him. He goes on to talk about things he's heard from his home since I've seen him and so on. A very nice letter. I'm going to try to send it on to you. Find out first if it will violate any censorship regulations. I think you'd get a kick out of it. Looks like I've now got a friend in Australia.
Don't know if he's got a red headed sister or not but he may know some. Get me a chance to go to Australia and I'll look into it. See, I'm taking care of Norm in any way I can. That's one way, I don't think you had in mind, when you cautioned me to. Don't worry honey, I'm just teasing as you well know. I wold like a trip to Australia but beyond looking, I'd do plenty of that you can be sure, I think I could behave myself unless they actually attack me in numbers. Not much danger of that ever happening if they ever get a look at my head. Not knowing, they'd think, "That old guy is too slow to be interesting." I'm very safe. Beside that. I love my wife and I'm very particular.
Yes, honey, even after six months and seeing only blacks for four of them, I'm as particular as ever. If it gets to be several times six months, I'll still be the same. I've got so much waiting at home for me that I can wait until then and have the best there is to be found any place in this old world. That's a lot of words to use for telling you, " I love you my sweetheart wife."
No more progress to report on the surprises. I'm being mean to start teasing you so far in advance but, after all, you asked for it. You devil.
Say, honey, I just had a thought. It won't be too long before my calendars run out. Keep on the lookout for a couple like you sent last year. Will you? I have to have something to keep track on, you know. Really, no sense in it, but I still put the x's in when you send the information. Got to see that you're working all right. According to my records the third should be crossed off. Anywhere near right?
I've got some coins ready to send to you for Mrs. Claggett. There is a copper pence [ 1 1/4 cents] that I haven't been able to get hold of. Not used very much. Haven't ever had one yet. I'll mail them tomorrow.
Another weather report. Hottest at eight this morning. 104 in shade and beyond the capacity of my thermometer in the sun. Don't think it will frost very soon down here. I'm getting quite a kick out of that little instrument you so thoughtfully sent. I believe you said Vi donated it. I thank her too. Remember how I used to like to watch the temperature at home. Like to watch and feel your temperature too. Don't need any gauge for that though. Guess I better hadn't think too much about that or my own temperature as well as something else will begin to rise. We're missing you plenty.
Heard a short wave rebroadcast of the first series game tonight, sent from St Louis. It came in fairly well tonight. Only a few times when I couldn't hear for short periods of time. I hope they do that with some of the big football games. I'd almost desert writing you to hear them, if necessary.
Here, I've written a big part of this letter and haven't answered any of yours yet. I'll start on the Sept 24th now.
You wrote two of them the same day again. How you can do it! Beats me. You had a very good excuse too. Not feeling so good because of a cold. While I hardly know what they feel like any more, I can remember how mean they used to make me feel. Poor Mummy. Think she needs someone to warm her feet for her. Would that do any good? I'd like to do it anyhow. Wouldn't stop there either. I loves you, sweetheart.
Apparently you still have some wood left for the fireplace. Sure is lasting isn't it? It won't do any good this fall 'cause you'll soon start the furnace but if you are running out of wood and if you can find any to buy, it might be wise to have some on hand for next spring and even for real cold days this winter. Afraid I won't be there to start the furnace for you this fall. Damn it all anyhow. I got there just in time last fall didn't I? Surprised you too. Drinking your coffee in front of the fire and not even dressed. Gosh that was fun. 53 weeks ago! I've only seen you for eight days in all that time too. Hell of a note. I want to see you all the time cause I love you and need you, you big, beautiful, bewitching bundle of charms.
Take care of that cold, honey. Hope you don't have a bad one.
Koppes barn burning sure is a tough break. The barn wasn't worth much but all the feed and tools and etc. were lost too, I suppose. Probably very little if any, insurance too. I feel bad about it too. The neighbors will give them a hand I expect.
I'll watch for the Sad Sack cartoon you mention. It sounds good and very true to everyday occurrences in an army camp, especially over here. Even the old men like me have trouble like that. Must be something is lacking to make us act that way. Wonder what it is? Can't imagine, can you? Never had any such troubles while I was home. Maybe it's some influence of yours that is lacking now. Think so?
Night, sweetheart. I'm loving you and thinking of you constantly. Might even dream of you some night soon. I loves my darling wife. Gee, I'm glad I got her.
your hubby.
Norm.
Sunday, December 30, 2012
Tuesday, November 20, 2012
Letter # 487 October 3, 1944
New Guinea
Tues. eve.
Oct. 3, 1944
Hello Lovely;
How's my big beautiful lady tonight? Pretty ornery I bet. So am I. Too bad we can't get together. Be fireworks, huh?
No letters again today and I don't have a thing to talk about so I'm going to work on these letters I have.
Too bad Louise hasn't been hearing from Mickey but that's the way it goes at times like that. She'll probably be hearing one of these days again soon. That is one lesson you may be called upon to remember some day when you don't hear a word for long periods. Over here it is apt to be much longer than there. Most of this area is a long way from civilized as you well know.
Steve has been the supply officer for units of his type. While in Frisco he assembled all the equipment and supplies and sent them off. Over here he is doing the same thing. Seeing that all the equipment for his unit gets to them. Not at all a bad job, huh?
Gosh, honey, you're sure sending a lot of boxes. Ten request ones and some Christmas ones as well. That's a lot of them. I'm not sure but I think I've gotten five of them so far and then the little special boxes beside. You sure are doing your part toward the upkeep of the postal department. Ought to get a wholesale rate soon. I love 'em, sweetheart.
You can return Ida's "Hello" and tell her if the popcorn isn't good she's no friend of mine anymore. I expect she is still the same old Ida [Cannon]. Hasn't changed a bit as long as I can remember her. I bet her sale of cigarettes and hot peppers has gone down since all the boys are gone from the Hardware and Berrys. Have you ever heard any more of Thurston since he went to England? Is he over in France or not? Is Boyd still in La.?
Don't you worry about me getting so much stuff I won't know what to do with it. It doesn't last long here. Live good for a day or so after the boxes come and then a dry spell until the next ones.
I'd better be popular with you. That's where I really want to be popular. It's very nice to have so many friends and they're worth a lot but you come before any or all of them. I love you. That's why. You're the biggest part of my life.
I'm working on a cup of tea from one of the tea balls you sent. I'm getting to be a regular Englishman. I like my tea. It tastes so good down in this climate and in the absence of any other kind of drinks. I make it in cold water and it works good.
While I'm thinking about it, here is the temperature for today. 4 A.M.-72; 6:30-90; 11:00-98; and now, 7:30 P.M.- 85. That's all in the shade, so you see, I wasn't so far wrong on the guesses I made. I seem to be used to it 'cause I can sit down at 98 or more and never sweat a drop. Start moving though, and darn slow at that, and I'm dripping in no time. I surely don't mind it like I did in La. last summer. I feel cold when it gets in the 70's anymore. Maybe when I get back home you won't have so much trouble getting me to keep the fire up to 75 or better as you like it. Might even be easy to talk me into extra covers and a closed bedroom window. Think it possible?
You hadn't told me about changing gas stations. Do as you please, honey. You're running that end and doing a damn good job of it. One is as good as the other these days anyhow. That Shell station is very handy to you so why not? Certainly it's OK by me. Anything you do is OK by me. honey.
No, honey, you can't help my losing weight. You can sure put it back on again though. It's not hurting me a bit. I feel swell and there are no ribs showing or anything like that. It's only the belly that is taking much beating. My waist is the smallest now it has ever been since I've grown up. I just measured 30 1/2 bare. I have never found a scale but I judge I weigh around 165. See, you're bigger than I am these days. I like 'em big and soft like you so don't try to loose too much. Remember that padding. You'll need it 'cause I won't stand for any cushion between us.
Yes, Mummy, I guess we can stand a three or four month period of "no nothing" after all this training but I know darn well I won't like it. I don''t like that kind of vacations, but if we are lucky the results will be worth it, I hope. Don't you dare be one of these girls that put up a "hands off" sign right away 'cause they feel bad. I know all about the medical viewpoint of the subject.
You devil. Sure I like your picture. It's a beautiful picture of the most beautiful girl I know. I'm proud of it and keep you right here where I can see you and love you. Very passively though.
I'm inclined to ask like Melvin does. What have you got that makes people be so nice to you? I know it can't all be because of things I've done or even to be helpful to a war widow. It must be just you. I guess you could be shipwrecked on a savage island and in a few days be queen and have all the natives working for you. Don't forget though, I love you most. It really is swell that people do so many things for us. I say us 'cause when they help you they are helping me as much or more. Be sure and tell them all how much I appreciate their helping hand. Carl, inspects and checks the furnace and you can get along all right, I'm sure. Kindling, from little John to start fires so you are all set there. Art takes care of the car and repairs appliances. Some set up huh? Who's taking care of you personally now?
You are doing a swell job of tying up the boxes, honey. The knots are all in place like you put them. I have to sharpen my knife to get into them. I'm sorry about the blister on your fingers. Send it along and I'll kiss it for you.
You can bet I'm always glad to hear you say you are getting along swell and keeping the old chin well up. I can always tell from your letters but I like reassuring where you are concerned. Like having a priceless jewel put away and looking every so often, just to be absolutely sure it's still there and unharmed. You're the most precious jewel I've got you know. I loves you.
You may write what you have to say to me on paper, when I'm home again, but you won't get away with it. Especially not some of the parts you write. That will take a lot beside pen and ink to be satisfactory. You'll talk to me and love me and like it so there too. Remember the sweet little notes you used to leave when you were running out on me for an evening or something? I do. I got a kick out of them. Usually signed like the bracelet, "Love Babe". Gosh, how I wish you were only out for the evening now. I bet I wouldn't be asleep when you came in either. If you're hurtin so bad, you know how I feel. I'm way past hurtin too. I'm numb from hurtin. It's a numbness that will pass very easily and quickly when I get the proper cure for it. I know where and what the cure is too. When the opportunity presents I'll be looking for a treatment. Night, sweetheart. I love you.
Your dough boy.
Norm.
Tues. eve.
Oct. 3, 1944
Hello Lovely;
How's my big beautiful lady tonight? Pretty ornery I bet. So am I. Too bad we can't get together. Be fireworks, huh?
No letters again today and I don't have a thing to talk about so I'm going to work on these letters I have.
Too bad Louise hasn't been hearing from Mickey but that's the way it goes at times like that. She'll probably be hearing one of these days again soon. That is one lesson you may be called upon to remember some day when you don't hear a word for long periods. Over here it is apt to be much longer than there. Most of this area is a long way from civilized as you well know.
Steve has been the supply officer for units of his type. While in Frisco he assembled all the equipment and supplies and sent them off. Over here he is doing the same thing. Seeing that all the equipment for his unit gets to them. Not at all a bad job, huh?
Gosh, honey, you're sure sending a lot of boxes. Ten request ones and some Christmas ones as well. That's a lot of them. I'm not sure but I think I've gotten five of them so far and then the little special boxes beside. You sure are doing your part toward the upkeep of the postal department. Ought to get a wholesale rate soon. I love 'em, sweetheart.
You can return Ida's "Hello" and tell her if the popcorn isn't good she's no friend of mine anymore. I expect she is still the same old Ida [Cannon]. Hasn't changed a bit as long as I can remember her. I bet her sale of cigarettes and hot peppers has gone down since all the boys are gone from the Hardware and Berrys. Have you ever heard any more of Thurston since he went to England? Is he over in France or not? Is Boyd still in La.?
Don't you worry about me getting so much stuff I won't know what to do with it. It doesn't last long here. Live good for a day or so after the boxes come and then a dry spell until the next ones.
I'd better be popular with you. That's where I really want to be popular. It's very nice to have so many friends and they're worth a lot but you come before any or all of them. I love you. That's why. You're the biggest part of my life.
I'm working on a cup of tea from one of the tea balls you sent. I'm getting to be a regular Englishman. I like my tea. It tastes so good down in this climate and in the absence of any other kind of drinks. I make it in cold water and it works good.
While I'm thinking about it, here is the temperature for today. 4 A.M.-72; 6:30-90; 11:00-98; and now, 7:30 P.M.- 85. That's all in the shade, so you see, I wasn't so far wrong on the guesses I made. I seem to be used to it 'cause I can sit down at 98 or more and never sweat a drop. Start moving though, and darn slow at that, and I'm dripping in no time. I surely don't mind it like I did in La. last summer. I feel cold when it gets in the 70's anymore. Maybe when I get back home you won't have so much trouble getting me to keep the fire up to 75 or better as you like it. Might even be easy to talk me into extra covers and a closed bedroom window. Think it possible?
You hadn't told me about changing gas stations. Do as you please, honey. You're running that end and doing a damn good job of it. One is as good as the other these days anyhow. That Shell station is very handy to you so why not? Certainly it's OK by me. Anything you do is OK by me. honey.
No, honey, you can't help my losing weight. You can sure put it back on again though. It's not hurting me a bit. I feel swell and there are no ribs showing or anything like that. It's only the belly that is taking much beating. My waist is the smallest now it has ever been since I've grown up. I just measured 30 1/2 bare. I have never found a scale but I judge I weigh around 165. See, you're bigger than I am these days. I like 'em big and soft like you so don't try to loose too much. Remember that padding. You'll need it 'cause I won't stand for any cushion between us.
Yes, Mummy, I guess we can stand a three or four month period of "no nothing" after all this training but I know darn well I won't like it. I don''t like that kind of vacations, but if we are lucky the results will be worth it, I hope. Don't you dare be one of these girls that put up a "hands off" sign right away 'cause they feel bad. I know all about the medical viewpoint of the subject.
You devil. Sure I like your picture. It's a beautiful picture of the most beautiful girl I know. I'm proud of it and keep you right here where I can see you and love you. Very passively though.
I'm inclined to ask like Melvin does. What have you got that makes people be so nice to you? I know it can't all be because of things I've done or even to be helpful to a war widow. It must be just you. I guess you could be shipwrecked on a savage island and in a few days be queen and have all the natives working for you. Don't forget though, I love you most. It really is swell that people do so many things for us. I say us 'cause when they help you they are helping me as much or more. Be sure and tell them all how much I appreciate their helping hand. Carl, inspects and checks the furnace and you can get along all right, I'm sure. Kindling, from little John to start fires so you are all set there. Art takes care of the car and repairs appliances. Some set up huh? Who's taking care of you personally now?
You are doing a swell job of tying up the boxes, honey. The knots are all in place like you put them. I have to sharpen my knife to get into them. I'm sorry about the blister on your fingers. Send it along and I'll kiss it for you.
You can bet I'm always glad to hear you say you are getting along swell and keeping the old chin well up. I can always tell from your letters but I like reassuring where you are concerned. Like having a priceless jewel put away and looking every so often, just to be absolutely sure it's still there and unharmed. You're the most precious jewel I've got you know. I loves you.
You may write what you have to say to me on paper, when I'm home again, but you won't get away with it. Especially not some of the parts you write. That will take a lot beside pen and ink to be satisfactory. You'll talk to me and love me and like it so there too. Remember the sweet little notes you used to leave when you were running out on me for an evening or something? I do. I got a kick out of them. Usually signed like the bracelet, "Love Babe". Gosh, how I wish you were only out for the evening now. I bet I wouldn't be asleep when you came in either. If you're hurtin so bad, you know how I feel. I'm way past hurtin too. I'm numb from hurtin. It's a numbness that will pass very easily and quickly when I get the proper cure for it. I know where and what the cure is too. When the opportunity presents I'll be looking for a treatment. Night, sweetheart. I love you.
Your dough boy.
Norm.
Monday, November 5, 2012
Letter # 486 October 2, 1944
New Guinea
Monday eve
Oct 2, 1944
Hello Babe darling;
I got another package today. Date on it was Aug. 26. That's good time for that one. I haven't kept track but it seems to me there should be another one or so before that one. This one had a round tin Christmas box with candy, three P.A's, one flat fifty of Chesterfields, a roll of film, a thermometer, a box of peanuts and some more funnies. Bar of soap and those soap papers. They're something new to me, never even heard of them. They might be handy though. Everything was in good shape but the candy. It had all melted and run together. It was plenty good though when I got it separated from the paper. Ate it with a spoon. Only trouble it didn't last long enough. Oh yes, there were some more tea bags too so I can bloody well have my cup o' tea before I retire. Honey, you are doing a grand job of sending me things. So many little things I'd never even think of and yet they help out a lot. You're a very sweet girl and I love you a lot. Smart too.
I did my duty today and voted. So that is out of the way and you won't need to give me any more pep talks on the subject. I never have been one to talk politics and don't think I ever will. It's similar to arguing religion. No end and no proof of anything.
I also sent you a check for $110.00. It'll probably get to you by the end of the month. Now, don't forget, honey. I'd like you to buy yourself a Christmas present at least, if nothing more. At the rate I can save money over here, I'll have more on the way before the first of the year. We'll spend it some day when we can have some fun out of it. That means we'll be together. I can't seem to get nearly as much kick from things when you aren't with me. So help me, honey it's the truth. I'm a lost man without my special woman.
I got another note from Steve today. He talks as though he would be soon on the move north and doubts very much if he'll get in this area again. Oh well, we'll meet again somewhere, maybe the next time at home,
I hope.
He says his drunk wasn't on jungle juice. One taste cured him the same as it did me. He says he still has 20 qts. he brought over with him so I'd say he was well supplied. Would last me a long time. That's for sure. Since we've been married a couple of quarts seemed to last us nearly a year. Don't need alcoholic spirits when I have you. You can make me feel so good. Even float a little.
He was wondering about Claude, if he was still the same as always, and etc. I guess he kinda wanted to see him in the army. That would be wishing a lot on any one.
Leo tells me tonight that he received a cable today, informing him that he is the father of an eight pound son.
His wife and son are both doing nicely and he's pretty tickled about it. Guess I would be too, only I'm still glad we haven't and aren't going to have any until I'm home by you. We better hadn't anyhow or I'll be forced to believe you cheated on me. Don't think for a minute that I'm worried about that. I'm not and never would be under any circumstances. I know my Babe. Love her too. When we have our first offspring
I want to be right there and not 10,000 miles away. It took the cable four days to get here.
I was certain I wouldn't get any letters today and I didn't. Can't get them in fives and get them everyday. I've plenty of them to answer so I'm not hurtin. I'm not as good at writing a nice long letter without one to answer as you are. Still can't talk like you can. 'Course, you're smarter than I am too, and that makes a difference.
Now for the letters: Honey, you would make a swell publicity agent for someone from the sounds of things. You seem to be doing a swell job of spreading my letters around to acquaintances and friends. That's swell, honey. I can't write to all of them and yet, I don't want to be forgotten. Who knows? I might want to go into politics or something like that and need all the old friends I had in and around Medina.
You're developing so many of your latent talents that I'm beginning to believe you'd be a better bacon getter than I could ever be. You're some girl. honey. I'm loving you and very proud of you.
So you have another mouse to trap for now. Being in the basement, I'll bet he came in with the coal or while the coal was being put in. I don't think you ever said if they troubled you upstairs anymore. Do they? Anyhow, I know you can take care of catching them so why am I speculating on it? I'm glad to hear we have a crop of acorns and the squirrels are already coming for them. They're such cute little buggers. Too bad we can't have a crop of acorns every year. Maybe we can figure out a way of feeding them and attracting them on the lean years. If we have better luck than we had with the birds. That's another thing, along with the plans for cribs, bunks, and names, for you to file away for reference. Plans for bird and squirrel feeders. You probably see a lot of such things in your everyday work now. My librarian. I like that. Better than my teacher, I think. My wife, is still the only real title. I love you, sweetheart.
Sept 19. I haven't heard from Jim either. I wrote last. It must have been over six weeks. He has probably moved or been busy or something.
It surely does seem that you or I or both of us do have a lot of really swell friends around home. It takes something like this to really sort them out. I'm going to have a lot of favors to return one of these days.
Gosh, two new first line tires and one other. I guess that should put the old car on her wheels for some time as far as footwear is concerned. I'm glad to hear that Art thinks the old girl will run you through the winter. I had rather doubted it. She is behaving like all our friends. Coming through in swell shape. Everybody and everything seems to want to do things for you I know why too. It's cause you're so sweet and nice to do things for.
Uh Huh, I guess I was nearly correct in my summing up of your picture. I thought you had purposely gone to a lot of trouble to be all fixed up like I like you. No lack of the old personality in that picture. I could sure maul you good if you'd only get within reach. I've seen that look before and it usually netted you a mauling and more and you wanted it too. I do like that picture an awful lot. I love you more than that. Mom mentioned the one you gave her and liked it a lot. You're beautiful. Did you know it?
I have the other package so you can tell me about it now. I like it too. No kidding, honey. I do. Our motor officer complimented me on such a nice identification bracelet today. See, I'm wearing it and others like it too.
I guess I'll call this a letter whether it is or not, and get me some shut eye. I'm a sleepy head these days. Can you believe it? Maybe you'll have to wake me up to get any action from me. Night, sweetheart, I'm loving you so much and missing you like hell.
I forgot to say your thermometer registered 110 in the sun and 102 in the shade. Rather cool day too. Bye, lovely and luscious.
Your hubby.
Norm.
Monday eve
Oct 2, 1944
Hello Babe darling;
I got another package today. Date on it was Aug. 26. That's good time for that one. I haven't kept track but it seems to me there should be another one or so before that one. This one had a round tin Christmas box with candy, three P.A's, one flat fifty of Chesterfields, a roll of film, a thermometer, a box of peanuts and some more funnies. Bar of soap and those soap papers. They're something new to me, never even heard of them. They might be handy though. Everything was in good shape but the candy. It had all melted and run together. It was plenty good though when I got it separated from the paper. Ate it with a spoon. Only trouble it didn't last long enough. Oh yes, there were some more tea bags too so I can bloody well have my cup o' tea before I retire. Honey, you are doing a grand job of sending me things. So many little things I'd never even think of and yet they help out a lot. You're a very sweet girl and I love you a lot. Smart too.
I did my duty today and voted. So that is out of the way and you won't need to give me any more pep talks on the subject. I never have been one to talk politics and don't think I ever will. It's similar to arguing religion. No end and no proof of anything.
I also sent you a check for $110.00. It'll probably get to you by the end of the month. Now, don't forget, honey. I'd like you to buy yourself a Christmas present at least, if nothing more. At the rate I can save money over here, I'll have more on the way before the first of the year. We'll spend it some day when we can have some fun out of it. That means we'll be together. I can't seem to get nearly as much kick from things when you aren't with me. So help me, honey it's the truth. I'm a lost man without my special woman.
I got another note from Steve today. He talks as though he would be soon on the move north and doubts very much if he'll get in this area again. Oh well, we'll meet again somewhere, maybe the next time at home,
I hope.
He says his drunk wasn't on jungle juice. One taste cured him the same as it did me. He says he still has 20 qts. he brought over with him so I'd say he was well supplied. Would last me a long time. That's for sure. Since we've been married a couple of quarts seemed to last us nearly a year. Don't need alcoholic spirits when I have you. You can make me feel so good. Even float a little.
He was wondering about Claude, if he was still the same as always, and etc. I guess he kinda wanted to see him in the army. That would be wishing a lot on any one.
Leo tells me tonight that he received a cable today, informing him that he is the father of an eight pound son.
His wife and son are both doing nicely and he's pretty tickled about it. Guess I would be too, only I'm still glad we haven't and aren't going to have any until I'm home by you. We better hadn't anyhow or I'll be forced to believe you cheated on me. Don't think for a minute that I'm worried about that. I'm not and never would be under any circumstances. I know my Babe. Love her too. When we have our first offspring
I want to be right there and not 10,000 miles away. It took the cable four days to get here.
I was certain I wouldn't get any letters today and I didn't. Can't get them in fives and get them everyday. I've plenty of them to answer so I'm not hurtin. I'm not as good at writing a nice long letter without one to answer as you are. Still can't talk like you can. 'Course, you're smarter than I am too, and that makes a difference.
Now for the letters: Honey, you would make a swell publicity agent for someone from the sounds of things. You seem to be doing a swell job of spreading my letters around to acquaintances and friends. That's swell, honey. I can't write to all of them and yet, I don't want to be forgotten. Who knows? I might want to go into politics or something like that and need all the old friends I had in and around Medina.
You're developing so many of your latent talents that I'm beginning to believe you'd be a better bacon getter than I could ever be. You're some girl. honey. I'm loving you and very proud of you.
So you have another mouse to trap for now. Being in the basement, I'll bet he came in with the coal or while the coal was being put in. I don't think you ever said if they troubled you upstairs anymore. Do they? Anyhow, I know you can take care of catching them so why am I speculating on it? I'm glad to hear we have a crop of acorns and the squirrels are already coming for them. They're such cute little buggers. Too bad we can't have a crop of acorns every year. Maybe we can figure out a way of feeding them and attracting them on the lean years. If we have better luck than we had with the birds. That's another thing, along with the plans for cribs, bunks, and names, for you to file away for reference. Plans for bird and squirrel feeders. You probably see a lot of such things in your everyday work now. My librarian. I like that. Better than my teacher, I think. My wife, is still the only real title. I love you, sweetheart.
Sept 19. I haven't heard from Jim either. I wrote last. It must have been over six weeks. He has probably moved or been busy or something.
It surely does seem that you or I or both of us do have a lot of really swell friends around home. It takes something like this to really sort them out. I'm going to have a lot of favors to return one of these days.
Gosh, two new first line tires and one other. I guess that should put the old car on her wheels for some time as far as footwear is concerned. I'm glad to hear that Art thinks the old girl will run you through the winter. I had rather doubted it. She is behaving like all our friends. Coming through in swell shape. Everybody and everything seems to want to do things for you I know why too. It's cause you're so sweet and nice to do things for.
Uh Huh, I guess I was nearly correct in my summing up of your picture. I thought you had purposely gone to a lot of trouble to be all fixed up like I like you. No lack of the old personality in that picture. I could sure maul you good if you'd only get within reach. I've seen that look before and it usually netted you a mauling and more and you wanted it too. I do like that picture an awful lot. I love you more than that. Mom mentioned the one you gave her and liked it a lot. You're beautiful. Did you know it?
I have the other package so you can tell me about it now. I like it too. No kidding, honey. I do. Our motor officer complimented me on such a nice identification bracelet today. See, I'm wearing it and others like it too.
I guess I'll call this a letter whether it is or not, and get me some shut eye. I'm a sleepy head these days. Can you believe it? Maybe you'll have to wake me up to get any action from me. Night, sweetheart, I'm loving you so much and missing you like hell.
I forgot to say your thermometer registered 110 in the sun and 102 in the shade. Rather cool day too. Bye, lovely and luscious.
Your hubby.
Norm.
Monday, October 22, 2012
Letter # 485 October 1, 1944
New Guinea
Sunday eve.
Oct 1, 1944
My Sweetheart;
The first of October and a nice lazy Sunday I made of it too. I am even caught up on all my writing except for one to Mom & Hazel and now yours. I just kind of fooled around, read a bunch of funnies Oil had gotten, read a little in the Reader's Digest and also in the Coronet you sent. Then this afternoon I got busy on my surprises for a little while. They are coming along slowly but they'll get there yet. One is nearly completed. I think you'll like it too. It's kinda like things I've seen you get for yourself. Don't you wish you knew what it was? Not much, but anyhow, I'm sending you something.
I hit the jackpot again at mail call tonight. Five of them all from you. That's ten in three days so I guess I'll be without any for a few days again. They were all in rotation again. 18, 19, 20, 21, & 22. That's only eight days on the last one and the best time so far. I've got a pile to work on again.
While I'm thinking of it. You can tell Max Blakeslee I thank him a lot for the offer of the lantern. I know what it is and I can't get batteries for it either so it won't be any use to me either. It's swell of him to offer though. The gasoline lantern Mrs Berry has located is the thing. Always have gasoline or this outfit won't be much account. Gosh, honey I didn't mean for you to go to all that trouble. You seem to have everyone working for you and getting things done too. You're some girl. Is it any wonder I love you? Everyone else seems to like you a lot too. No wonder people can't see why you married me. Was it 'cause you were so sick of teaching? I guess I'm lucky you didn't get this library job before you said "yes". You'd have been satisfied and wouldn't have wanted to marry me then.
Tomorrow is election day here so I'll dutifully take my ballot in hand and make some X's before the proper witness and have my part of that business taken care of. Does that satisfy you? The ballot, of course, has to be shown unmarked and then the procedure is the same as at the polls. By doing it as a unit it will avoid so much confusion to the voting officer.
Now I must get at these letters or I'll be as far behind as I was when I came back from school.
Honey, only people in love are supposed to pull tricks like the one you pulled on the phone at the library. Are you in love? You'd better be and with no one else but me too. Yes, I remember how you'd play like you were listening to me and never hear a thing I said. Remember it used to catch up to you once in a while then. You'd ask later about something I knew darn well I had told you. So there too, you devil.
I have never yet pulled the stunt Laurence did but I caught myself in the nick of time at least once I remember of. Still at Polk and I had a letter to Mom & one to you. I had them in the wrong envelopes when I thought I'd better check. Good thing too. It was rather a naughty letter and I'm afraid Mom would have blushed when she read it. Since then I've been very careful.
You are probably very nearly right in your guess in Sept 15 letter. My own opinion is that no big action will break out down here until the end of Germany. If that ends on schedule it won't be so long until the final big push over here sets in. The sooner it comes the better I'll like it. Get it over and get back home where my heart is. These days I'm finding out I'm very much a home boy. No more roving for me any more alone. I say alone 'cause I'm always alone unless you're with me. Other people may help but they sure don't fill your place. I love you, sweetheart.
You'd better not buy any more new pajamas, honey. Wear out the ones you have 'cause you'll never see them again after I come home. I'll not have a clothed woman in bed with me. I'm surely not getting in the habit of wearing anything. I haven't even slept in a pair of shorts since I left the states, except for the days on the trail when I was fully clothed for warmth. I think we can "adjust" very quickly once we get at it.
You old devil. I wasn't trying to pull any wool over your eyes about this jungle trip. I wasn't aware that I was trying to cover up the fact I was tickled about it. I think I even said, "The only thing I don't like about it is I won't be able to write to you." I wanted to go and was plenty pleased when I got the chance. By this time you know that I didn't change my opinion any, even if it was a bit tough. I knew you'd say you wouldn't mind not getting any letters but, all the same, I bet you were let down a bit. I know what mail means in the everyday routine. I missed not hearing from you and had plenty new and interesting things to occupy my thoughts. You were always creeping in. I learn or see something and make a mental note to tell Babe about it sometime. Most everything I do includes you even if remotely. Your letters, so far, in the "no letters to answer period", don't show any signs of finding it hard to write. You always do a good job of writing. I like to hear you ramble on, on anything. It's all you.
I guess I told you that Dick Elder took the march like a good soldier. He even seemed to like it. He doctored a blister for me too. When we were at the end of the trail I had a picture of he and I together taken. You can pass that information on to Mrs. Elder.
Yes I know who Emeric Ceaser is. He was always around the store. Quite a guy and likes to talk and tell stories. I return his hello. It seems you are meeting a lot of my old business acquaintances since you're in the library. If I go back to the store it will make it easier to talk to you about my day. As it was before you didn't know a lot of them I saw every day or so. If I know your charm they'll be asking about you too. From the sound of things you'll be getting too smart for the old man to keep up with at all. You'll really have to play teacher to me. I still like teachers and they don't have to be red heads either.
To the best of my knowledge you are right about B. Batchelder. The address is the same as Steve's. I'm almost sure he is where you said. [ Sept. 16 letter].
So you are now a member of the Beagle Assn. At least enough to get a present out of it. Did you tell them you go hunting and shoot so you don't hit the rabbits? Good enough shot but won't try to hit them. Remember the day across the road in the orchard and the time in Pop's pasture when you didn't even have a shell in your gun? You did kill one sitting once and then felt bad about it. You're a funny sweet old thing.
You sure do think of plenty of ways to tantalize me don't you? Now you are sending something that has to be cut in three pieces and yet it can be spliced and serve its purpose. I've a guess on that but I'm not sure enough to air it. I'll wait until I see it, you devil.
I do like your two early Xmas presents very much. The picture is in front of me whenever my desk is open and, believe it or not, the bracelet is on my arm and will stay there too. For a man that never cared much for things like that, it's proof that I like it, isn't it?
Read my letter again, honey where I told you where Steve was. Either I was absent minded or you missed it. Steve is north of me.
Sure I believe I have a smart wife. I always did but I couldn't start telling you too soon or you would have become too conceited to live with. I always told you I saw a lot more than the physical in you when I married you. The physical attractions are perfect to me, plenty of them, quantity and quality both, but that is only half of you. The other half is just as perfect and attractive. Either half, by itself, is more than most girls have. I love you, don't you think? I sure do. Very much.
Don't worry about it if you don't manage to send a box every week, honey. It's a lot of work and you're a busy girl. They're fun to get alright, but don't kill yourself trying to keep up. I'm only doing what you ask in sending requests each week. I don't mean you have to honor them all.
I had seen the notice in the Gazette about Ted Underhill. I wasn't sure but thought it was the one Mick & Louise talked of. If I can get any information I'll do it but such things are darn hard to dig out. The official notice is as far as you can go unless you're lucky and run into someone who knew him. Be sure and give me his organization.
I think your letters have shown a bit of a rise in spirit since you've been working. I always was of the opinin you would be happier when busy but before this you never liked your job at all so it wasn't any help. I'm glad you're settled. I know you'll be good at it, I'm only afraid they won't want to let you go when I come home again. We'll fool them won't we? Lots of things to do that will be more fun even than being a librarian. I'll keep you busy too. First, I'll need a lot of loving and being by you. Second, I'll need a lot of my wife's good cooking to fill out the hollow bony places. Third, washing and mending clothes, ironing and lots of things. Still want the job or would you prefer to stay a librarian? Night, sweetheart, I love you.
Your hopeful lover
Norm.
Sunday eve.
Oct 1, 1944
My Sweetheart;
The first of October and a nice lazy Sunday I made of it too. I am even caught up on all my writing except for one to Mom & Hazel and now yours. I just kind of fooled around, read a bunch of funnies Oil had gotten, read a little in the Reader's Digest and also in the Coronet you sent. Then this afternoon I got busy on my surprises for a little while. They are coming along slowly but they'll get there yet. One is nearly completed. I think you'll like it too. It's kinda like things I've seen you get for yourself. Don't you wish you knew what it was? Not much, but anyhow, I'm sending you something.
I hit the jackpot again at mail call tonight. Five of them all from you. That's ten in three days so I guess I'll be without any for a few days again. They were all in rotation again. 18, 19, 20, 21, & 22. That's only eight days on the last one and the best time so far. I've got a pile to work on again.
While I'm thinking of it. You can tell Max Blakeslee I thank him a lot for the offer of the lantern. I know what it is and I can't get batteries for it either so it won't be any use to me either. It's swell of him to offer though. The gasoline lantern Mrs Berry has located is the thing. Always have gasoline or this outfit won't be much account. Gosh, honey I didn't mean for you to go to all that trouble. You seem to have everyone working for you and getting things done too. You're some girl. Is it any wonder I love you? Everyone else seems to like you a lot too. No wonder people can't see why you married me. Was it 'cause you were so sick of teaching? I guess I'm lucky you didn't get this library job before you said "yes". You'd have been satisfied and wouldn't have wanted to marry me then.
Tomorrow is election day here so I'll dutifully take my ballot in hand and make some X's before the proper witness and have my part of that business taken care of. Does that satisfy you? The ballot, of course, has to be shown unmarked and then the procedure is the same as at the polls. By doing it as a unit it will avoid so much confusion to the voting officer.
Now I must get at these letters or I'll be as far behind as I was when I came back from school.
Honey, only people in love are supposed to pull tricks like the one you pulled on the phone at the library. Are you in love? You'd better be and with no one else but me too. Yes, I remember how you'd play like you were listening to me and never hear a thing I said. Remember it used to catch up to you once in a while then. You'd ask later about something I knew darn well I had told you. So there too, you devil.
I have never yet pulled the stunt Laurence did but I caught myself in the nick of time at least once I remember of. Still at Polk and I had a letter to Mom & one to you. I had them in the wrong envelopes when I thought I'd better check. Good thing too. It was rather a naughty letter and I'm afraid Mom would have blushed when she read it. Since then I've been very careful.
You are probably very nearly right in your guess in Sept 15 letter. My own opinion is that no big action will break out down here until the end of Germany. If that ends on schedule it won't be so long until the final big push over here sets in. The sooner it comes the better I'll like it. Get it over and get back home where my heart is. These days I'm finding out I'm very much a home boy. No more roving for me any more alone. I say alone 'cause I'm always alone unless you're with me. Other people may help but they sure don't fill your place. I love you, sweetheart.
You'd better not buy any more new pajamas, honey. Wear out the ones you have 'cause you'll never see them again after I come home. I'll not have a clothed woman in bed with me. I'm surely not getting in the habit of wearing anything. I haven't even slept in a pair of shorts since I left the states, except for the days on the trail when I was fully clothed for warmth. I think we can "adjust" very quickly once we get at it.
You old devil. I wasn't trying to pull any wool over your eyes about this jungle trip. I wasn't aware that I was trying to cover up the fact I was tickled about it. I think I even said, "The only thing I don't like about it is I won't be able to write to you." I wanted to go and was plenty pleased when I got the chance. By this time you know that I didn't change my opinion any, even if it was a bit tough. I knew you'd say you wouldn't mind not getting any letters but, all the same, I bet you were let down a bit. I know what mail means in the everyday routine. I missed not hearing from you and had plenty new and interesting things to occupy my thoughts. You were always creeping in. I learn or see something and make a mental note to tell Babe about it sometime. Most everything I do includes you even if remotely. Your letters, so far, in the "no letters to answer period", don't show any signs of finding it hard to write. You always do a good job of writing. I like to hear you ramble on, on anything. It's all you.
I guess I told you that Dick Elder took the march like a good soldier. He even seemed to like it. He doctored a blister for me too. When we were at the end of the trail I had a picture of he and I together taken. You can pass that information on to Mrs. Elder.
Yes I know who Emeric Ceaser is. He was always around the store. Quite a guy and likes to talk and tell stories. I return his hello. It seems you are meeting a lot of my old business acquaintances since you're in the library. If I go back to the store it will make it easier to talk to you about my day. As it was before you didn't know a lot of them I saw every day or so. If I know your charm they'll be asking about you too. From the sound of things you'll be getting too smart for the old man to keep up with at all. You'll really have to play teacher to me. I still like teachers and they don't have to be red heads either.
To the best of my knowledge you are right about B. Batchelder. The address is the same as Steve's. I'm almost sure he is where you said. [ Sept. 16 letter].
So you are now a member of the Beagle Assn. At least enough to get a present out of it. Did you tell them you go hunting and shoot so you don't hit the rabbits? Good enough shot but won't try to hit them. Remember the day across the road in the orchard and the time in Pop's pasture when you didn't even have a shell in your gun? You did kill one sitting once and then felt bad about it. You're a funny sweet old thing.
You sure do think of plenty of ways to tantalize me don't you? Now you are sending something that has to be cut in three pieces and yet it can be spliced and serve its purpose. I've a guess on that but I'm not sure enough to air it. I'll wait until I see it, you devil.
I do like your two early Xmas presents very much. The picture is in front of me whenever my desk is open and, believe it or not, the bracelet is on my arm and will stay there too. For a man that never cared much for things like that, it's proof that I like it, isn't it?
Read my letter again, honey where I told you where Steve was. Either I was absent minded or you missed it. Steve is north of me.
Sure I believe I have a smart wife. I always did but I couldn't start telling you too soon or you would have become too conceited to live with. I always told you I saw a lot more than the physical in you when I married you. The physical attractions are perfect to me, plenty of them, quantity and quality both, but that is only half of you. The other half is just as perfect and attractive. Either half, by itself, is more than most girls have. I love you, don't you think? I sure do. Very much.
Don't worry about it if you don't manage to send a box every week, honey. It's a lot of work and you're a busy girl. They're fun to get alright, but don't kill yourself trying to keep up. I'm only doing what you ask in sending requests each week. I don't mean you have to honor them all.
I had seen the notice in the Gazette about Ted Underhill. I wasn't sure but thought it was the one Mick & Louise talked of. If I can get any information I'll do it but such things are darn hard to dig out. The official notice is as far as you can go unless you're lucky and run into someone who knew him. Be sure and give me his organization.
I think your letters have shown a bit of a rise in spirit since you've been working. I always was of the opinin you would be happier when busy but before this you never liked your job at all so it wasn't any help. I'm glad you're settled. I know you'll be good at it, I'm only afraid they won't want to let you go when I come home again. We'll fool them won't we? Lots of things to do that will be more fun even than being a librarian. I'll keep you busy too. First, I'll need a lot of loving and being by you. Second, I'll need a lot of my wife's good cooking to fill out the hollow bony places. Third, washing and mending clothes, ironing and lots of things. Still want the job or would you prefer to stay a librarian? Night, sweetheart, I love you.
Your hopeful lover
Norm.
Sunday, October 14, 2012
Letter # 484 September 30, 1944
New Guinea
Saturday eve
Sept 30, 1944
My Bewitching Babe;
Another month gone again. Good old September. I always did like the month for the weather and comfortableness after the heat of summer. The last few years, but to be exact, I've had a lot more reason to like it. It gave me you for my very own and that is plenty to put it on top for good in my calendar of months. The last couple years I've been glad to see it pass like all the rest, as quickly as possible. One of these days I'll be sorry to see it over and October coming up. That will be when I'm back in your arms again for always. You will hold me won't you, honey? You'd better say yes or, so help me I'll look into the W.A.C. situation.
No letters today. I haven't any kick on that though. I only got four yesterday. There were quite a few packages but none for me. They had July postmarks and I've had them for almost two weeks. Last one I got was July 28, I think. Mac, Oil, and Bowman each got a package. Almost all candy, so I'm fessing as I write this. Bowman's wife sent a whole box of homemade nut fudge. That's going fast as you can well imagine. By the way, she is a red headed "Mick". Sounds interesting, huh?
Payday again and once more I have more money than I know what to do with so if I get time, I'm going to send you another little pile, Monday. A hundred or a little more, how ever it figures out. That will still leave me a roll of nearly $60.00 and unless something unusual happens that will last a year over here. I've said this before and I'm saying it again. If you want anything take some of this money and get it. Call it a present from me if you want. I can't send you anything but I'd like for you to get yourself a present now and then. Darn it all, honey, I love you and haven't any way to show it at present.
Our washing machine threatened to turn out the same as the sawmill. The old peep engine is so darn near worn out that it is giving trouble. Isn't enough work for the engine so being an oil burner it carbons up enough nearly every day so it has to be cleaned to run the next day. Parts for such things are almost impossible to get so we made some modifications of our own. No new rings to stop the oil pumping so we drilled a lot of new oil return holes under the oil rings, hoping to keep it out of the head. Haywire job. We sure do get plenty of chance to experiment. It's running again, but I don't know for how long.
The censorship rules are getting a bit stricter but it won't bother me much. I have purposely stayed clear of shady subjects or went way around the bush in mentioning them and evidently they have all gone through
intact. Also informed we are to use no vile language so if I don't do much cussing it's not because I've become a priss and got religion, it's just rules.
Johnny has been putting in way too much in some of his and lately he has gotten several of them back. I can't see any profit in that so I try not to say too much. I guess you understand all this anyhow. You're a very sensible girl and smart too. You seem to get a lot from the letters that isn't put in words. Guess maybe you know me and how I work inside. Bet you're the only one who does though. Somehow you wiggled through my lines of defense and hard shell and got inside. That's where you belong. I'll keep you there too, if I can. I loves my three "B" girl.
Now about the article from the Post you sent. It's interesting and basically true. I think I can safely say I know 'cause I've been very close to there. However it's like all stories and articles written for the public. embellished a bit here and there. Skeleton Country is very true. Have made their acquaintance myself more than once. I imagine the actual experience took place at least a year ago. I see you underlined "cold and wet". That may be hard to believe but it is true at times. When it is cloudy and stormy it really is cold in the hills, especially at night. Several nights I was plenty cold with two waterproof covers wrapped around me and completely dressed. Even down here, like this afternoon. Plenty hot until about 3 P.M. and then it clouded up and a breeze sprung up. I was sweating when I went to the shower but as soon as I got wet the goosebumps came out, even on me. Queer climate. The part about G.I. shoes being comfortable to walk in is nothing but crap. No foot soldier would ever make that statement, not if he had the rubber soled ones I've had all the time. They burn my feet every time I go on a march of any length. They were so badly burned on this trip I took, that now the soles of my feet are all peeling. I don't mean they are sore now. They got over it every night and haven't been sore a bit since I got back. Like sunburn, takes a while for the dead hide to loosen up and peel.
Now I'm going to answer a letter or two.
Sept 14. You should talk about your letters rambling on and on. How about some of mine? They sure ramble, anywhere and everywhere. I like to just talk to you though. Our letters to each other don't need to follow the rules set up by Hoyle. I like to be me, and yours surely are you. I love 'em like that. Makes it so much more natural than an ordinary letter. Keep it up, honey. You're doing swell.
Go ahead and thrive on bitching if you want to. Both kinds. I can always listen to the verbal kind coming from you and usually get a grin out of it. The other kind? Well, I'm a pretty good tamer of that kind of bitch. Ready to crack the whip any time and keep on cracking it a long, long time. Just hold on, sweetheart, I'll tame you again. No, I don't get it, but I'm expecting to, but good.
Uh huh. Teasing me again about another surprise. I knew it. I always knew you were a big tease. I sure like to have you tease me though. I'll be in heaven again when you can tease me in a different way. Get it? You will.
I don't imagine you will have to worry about our pines and the landscaping project. I think they'll respect the start we made and there isn't much bank to work on anyhow, except the far east side. They better hadn't molest our honeymoon pines. They're one souvenir I think a lot of. Growing all the time, like our love too.
I sure am tickled to pieces that you like your library job so much. I have been told by others, Mom & Hazel & Mrs, Dulaney that you like it a lot and were looking very good, so I have further proof of your statements. I hope it is due to the job and not your pestiferous husband's absence that you look so well. I know it's the job. I'm a bit conceited too, you know.
You and your names for problematical children! You're incorrigible. Honestly honey, they all suit me. I'll probably have other and rather unspeakable names for them most of the time. I haven't gotten and don't intend to get any farther at present, than the thinking of things that come before names are necessary. I like the idea and will be very glad to do all I can to make it a reality. I do get a kick out of your enthusiasm though. Just like you are about a surprise. Bubbling and all tickled. Keep it up, honey. That's one of your traits that are very dear to me. I love all about you.
Night, honey. Continued tomorrow. Continued tomorrow and forever is my love for you.
Your hubby.
Norm.
Saturday eve
Sept 30, 1944
My Bewitching Babe;
Another month gone again. Good old September. I always did like the month for the weather and comfortableness after the heat of summer. The last few years, but to be exact, I've had a lot more reason to like it. It gave me you for my very own and that is plenty to put it on top for good in my calendar of months. The last couple years I've been glad to see it pass like all the rest, as quickly as possible. One of these days I'll be sorry to see it over and October coming up. That will be when I'm back in your arms again for always. You will hold me won't you, honey? You'd better say yes or, so help me I'll look into the W.A.C. situation.
No letters today. I haven't any kick on that though. I only got four yesterday. There were quite a few packages but none for me. They had July postmarks and I've had them for almost two weeks. Last one I got was July 28, I think. Mac, Oil, and Bowman each got a package. Almost all candy, so I'm fessing as I write this. Bowman's wife sent a whole box of homemade nut fudge. That's going fast as you can well imagine. By the way, she is a red headed "Mick". Sounds interesting, huh?
Payday again and once more I have more money than I know what to do with so if I get time, I'm going to send you another little pile, Monday. A hundred or a little more, how ever it figures out. That will still leave me a roll of nearly $60.00 and unless something unusual happens that will last a year over here. I've said this before and I'm saying it again. If you want anything take some of this money and get it. Call it a present from me if you want. I can't send you anything but I'd like for you to get yourself a present now and then. Darn it all, honey, I love you and haven't any way to show it at present.
Our washing machine threatened to turn out the same as the sawmill. The old peep engine is so darn near worn out that it is giving trouble. Isn't enough work for the engine so being an oil burner it carbons up enough nearly every day so it has to be cleaned to run the next day. Parts for such things are almost impossible to get so we made some modifications of our own. No new rings to stop the oil pumping so we drilled a lot of new oil return holes under the oil rings, hoping to keep it out of the head. Haywire job. We sure do get plenty of chance to experiment. It's running again, but I don't know for how long.
The censorship rules are getting a bit stricter but it won't bother me much. I have purposely stayed clear of shady subjects or went way around the bush in mentioning them and evidently they have all gone through
intact. Also informed we are to use no vile language so if I don't do much cussing it's not because I've become a priss and got religion, it's just rules.
Johnny has been putting in way too much in some of his and lately he has gotten several of them back. I can't see any profit in that so I try not to say too much. I guess you understand all this anyhow. You're a very sensible girl and smart too. You seem to get a lot from the letters that isn't put in words. Guess maybe you know me and how I work inside. Bet you're the only one who does though. Somehow you wiggled through my lines of defense and hard shell and got inside. That's where you belong. I'll keep you there too, if I can. I loves my three "B" girl.
Now about the article from the Post you sent. It's interesting and basically true. I think I can safely say I know 'cause I've been very close to there. However it's like all stories and articles written for the public. embellished a bit here and there. Skeleton Country is very true. Have made their acquaintance myself more than once. I imagine the actual experience took place at least a year ago. I see you underlined "cold and wet". That may be hard to believe but it is true at times. When it is cloudy and stormy it really is cold in the hills, especially at night. Several nights I was plenty cold with two waterproof covers wrapped around me and completely dressed. Even down here, like this afternoon. Plenty hot until about 3 P.M. and then it clouded up and a breeze sprung up. I was sweating when I went to the shower but as soon as I got wet the goosebumps came out, even on me. Queer climate. The part about G.I. shoes being comfortable to walk in is nothing but crap. No foot soldier would ever make that statement, not if he had the rubber soled ones I've had all the time. They burn my feet every time I go on a march of any length. They were so badly burned on this trip I took, that now the soles of my feet are all peeling. I don't mean they are sore now. They got over it every night and haven't been sore a bit since I got back. Like sunburn, takes a while for the dead hide to loosen up and peel.
Now I'm going to answer a letter or two.
Sept 14. You should talk about your letters rambling on and on. How about some of mine? They sure ramble, anywhere and everywhere. I like to just talk to you though. Our letters to each other don't need to follow the rules set up by Hoyle. I like to be me, and yours surely are you. I love 'em like that. Makes it so much more natural than an ordinary letter. Keep it up, honey. You're doing swell.
Go ahead and thrive on bitching if you want to. Both kinds. I can always listen to the verbal kind coming from you and usually get a grin out of it. The other kind? Well, I'm a pretty good tamer of that kind of bitch. Ready to crack the whip any time and keep on cracking it a long, long time. Just hold on, sweetheart, I'll tame you again. No, I don't get it, but I'm expecting to, but good.
Uh huh. Teasing me again about another surprise. I knew it. I always knew you were a big tease. I sure like to have you tease me though. I'll be in heaven again when you can tease me in a different way. Get it? You will.
I don't imagine you will have to worry about our pines and the landscaping project. I think they'll respect the start we made and there isn't much bank to work on anyhow, except the far east side. They better hadn't molest our honeymoon pines. They're one souvenir I think a lot of. Growing all the time, like our love too.
I sure am tickled to pieces that you like your library job so much. I have been told by others, Mom & Hazel & Mrs, Dulaney that you like it a lot and were looking very good, so I have further proof of your statements. I hope it is due to the job and not your pestiferous husband's absence that you look so well. I know it's the job. I'm a bit conceited too, you know.
You and your names for problematical children! You're incorrigible. Honestly honey, they all suit me. I'll probably have other and rather unspeakable names for them most of the time. I haven't gotten and don't intend to get any farther at present, than the thinking of things that come before names are necessary. I like the idea and will be very glad to do all I can to make it a reality. I do get a kick out of your enthusiasm though. Just like you are about a surprise. Bubbling and all tickled. Keep it up, honey. That's one of your traits that are very dear to me. I love all about you.
Night, honey. Continued tomorrow. Continued tomorrow and forever is my love for you.
Your hubby.
Norm.
Thursday, September 27, 2012
Letter # 483, September 29, 1944
New Guinea
Fri. eve.
Sept 29, 1944
My Precious;
I'm going to start this with an apology. This is going to be a short letter 'cause I went to a show tonight instead of writing to you. It was "Secret Command". Pat O'brian and Carol Landis. Pretty good and I enjoyed it for a change. First time I've gone to a show for over a month. I just got an idea to go so I did. It's really not late by the clock yet, only 9 o'clock but it has been dark since five. I'm like you, I can't understand this business of changing time down here. Seems like they set it the wrong way. We are getting up at four in the morning and start work at 5:30. Quit for noon at 10:30, go back to work at 12:30 and quit at 3:30. It's just breaking day when we get up and by the time we stand retreat and have supper it is dark again. Little more daylight here at any time of year than we have at home in the winter. That's a long story just to explain why a letter is going to be short, but I almost have to be in bed by 10 to get enough sleep. Either the old man is slipping and can't go without his sleep or this climate does it. I think it's the climate mostly. Constant heat seems to slow a man down. I think I can see it in all the fellows. I do know that I'm feeling perfect and fit. Skinny but hard as nails. Anyhow I promised you I'd take good care of me and I'm doing it. I never get less than six hours sleep and most of the time it's eight or more.
I'm rating at mail call again. At least I did today. Four letters from the sweetest girl on earth. I'd even turn away from Carol Landis if you were available, and one from the folks. I also am told there is a bunch of packages for tomorrow. Gosh, honey, a few letters sure do brighten up the day plenty. Your letters were all in order. Sept 14,15,16& 17. There was another with the Beagle club card and the article from the Post. I haven't really read the article yet, but in glancing over it, I can almost see familiar territory. I'll read it closely and comment on it in another letter.
They have us taking calisthenics and road marches all the time these days so we are interrupted in our work a lot of the time. I don't like the calisthenics any better than I ever did but the marches are rather easy to take. Especially so after this recent one I took with a heavy pack. The one we took today was really good. Only walked about five miles and stopped for an hour in the middle for a swim in the river. Those kind are fun. I'm sure getting lots of opportunity to indulge in swimming this year. Haven't been to the beach for some time but one of these days I'll go again. The ball playing cut into my time for a while so I've quit now. It should be winter and time for football anyhow. Funniest kind of winter I've ever seen.
That's the stuff, honey, you see the football games for me. Maybe next season we'll be able to go together again. We did have fun at them didn't we? I have fun at anything when you're around. You add that something that seems to magnify all the pleasures and make them really worthwhile. If what you do to me isn't love, it'll do for the rest of my life anyhow. Nothing could be more precious to me. This all adds up to the simple fact that you are my one and only love and wife. You've got 'em all beat so far I can't even see them. Well not much anyhow and when I'm looking I'm only taking note of how far they miss being as nice as you are. Best loving ever came down the road, sweetheart. I'm not kidding either. I mean it, every word. Proof - I haven't even made an attempt to see the W.A.C. or the Red Cross girl either. If you don't think that much proof, just try imagining yourself in a similar position. Lots of girls around you all the time but you've only seen a half dozen white men [and only at a distance] for more than four months and see if it isn't proof.
Aw, honey, I know you know, I can't really see any girl but you. Somehow though I want to keep telling you so you don't forget and get interested in some other man. I've just got to keep you somehow. You're necessary to my well being even at this great distance. When you are close or closer than that - gosh, honey, there is nothing more to be desired. I love you, you beautiful hunk of desirable feminine charm.
I guess I better quit and get my beauty sleep. I've got to keep in shape so I can make a good try at carrying out all the promises and threats I've made. I'll sure try, I betcha. Night sweetheart, I love you so much.
Your Hubby.
Norm.
Fri. eve.
Sept 29, 1944
My Precious;
I'm going to start this with an apology. This is going to be a short letter 'cause I went to a show tonight instead of writing to you. It was "Secret Command". Pat O'brian and Carol Landis. Pretty good and I enjoyed it for a change. First time I've gone to a show for over a month. I just got an idea to go so I did. It's really not late by the clock yet, only 9 o'clock but it has been dark since five. I'm like you, I can't understand this business of changing time down here. Seems like they set it the wrong way. We are getting up at four in the morning and start work at 5:30. Quit for noon at 10:30, go back to work at 12:30 and quit at 3:30. It's just breaking day when we get up and by the time we stand retreat and have supper it is dark again. Little more daylight here at any time of year than we have at home in the winter. That's a long story just to explain why a letter is going to be short, but I almost have to be in bed by 10 to get enough sleep. Either the old man is slipping and can't go without his sleep or this climate does it. I think it's the climate mostly. Constant heat seems to slow a man down. I think I can see it in all the fellows. I do know that I'm feeling perfect and fit. Skinny but hard as nails. Anyhow I promised you I'd take good care of me and I'm doing it. I never get less than six hours sleep and most of the time it's eight or more.
I'm rating at mail call again. At least I did today. Four letters from the sweetest girl on earth. I'd even turn away from Carol Landis if you were available, and one from the folks. I also am told there is a bunch of packages for tomorrow. Gosh, honey, a few letters sure do brighten up the day plenty. Your letters were all in order. Sept 14,15,16& 17. There was another with the Beagle club card and the article from the Post. I haven't really read the article yet, but in glancing over it, I can almost see familiar territory. I'll read it closely and comment on it in another letter.
They have us taking calisthenics and road marches all the time these days so we are interrupted in our work a lot of the time. I don't like the calisthenics any better than I ever did but the marches are rather easy to take. Especially so after this recent one I took with a heavy pack. The one we took today was really good. Only walked about five miles and stopped for an hour in the middle for a swim in the river. Those kind are fun. I'm sure getting lots of opportunity to indulge in swimming this year. Haven't been to the beach for some time but one of these days I'll go again. The ball playing cut into my time for a while so I've quit now. It should be winter and time for football anyhow. Funniest kind of winter I've ever seen.
That's the stuff, honey, you see the football games for me. Maybe next season we'll be able to go together again. We did have fun at them didn't we? I have fun at anything when you're around. You add that something that seems to magnify all the pleasures and make them really worthwhile. If what you do to me isn't love, it'll do for the rest of my life anyhow. Nothing could be more precious to me. This all adds up to the simple fact that you are my one and only love and wife. You've got 'em all beat so far I can't even see them. Well not much anyhow and when I'm looking I'm only taking note of how far they miss being as nice as you are. Best loving ever came down the road, sweetheart. I'm not kidding either. I mean it, every word. Proof - I haven't even made an attempt to see the W.A.C. or the Red Cross girl either. If you don't think that much proof, just try imagining yourself in a similar position. Lots of girls around you all the time but you've only seen a half dozen white men [and only at a distance] for more than four months and see if it isn't proof.
Aw, honey, I know you know, I can't really see any girl but you. Somehow though I want to keep telling you so you don't forget and get interested in some other man. I've just got to keep you somehow. You're necessary to my well being even at this great distance. When you are close or closer than that - gosh, honey, there is nothing more to be desired. I love you, you beautiful hunk of desirable feminine charm.
I guess I better quit and get my beauty sleep. I've got to keep in shape so I can make a good try at carrying out all the promises and threats I've made. I'll sure try, I betcha. Night sweetheart, I love you so much.
Your Hubby.
Norm.
Wednesday, September 26, 2012
Letter # 482 September 28, 1944
New Guinea
Thurs eve
Sept. 28, 1944
Hi Beautiful;
Another day and still no letters from you. There has been very little mail coming into the outfit for several days. Must be some holdup either at the base or in the movement of mail. It'll all come at once one of these days again. I do miss having those nice sweet letters every day though. I know I can't kick. You just had two weeks with no letters at all. T.S. isn't it, honey? I love you even if I do go gallivanting off and don't write.
Got our issue of cigarettes for October today. I got one carton of Luckies, two Chesterfields, and one Raleigh. Some mixture isn't it? No more get used to one brand and you get three others the next time. Also could buy two packages of pipe tobacco. Bond Street. I sure don't know where all the Camels are going. We've never even seen one over here yet. No beer this month either. I don't care about that at all. Warm beer isn't anything to go wild about.
Things have been happening in the outfit. Since we've been overseas our commander has been loosing his grip and paying no attention to business, except monkey business, and "chicken", so an I.G. [inspecting general] was called in and listened to all the bitches and complaints of the officers and enlisted men alike. The result is we have a new commander. An old army man and boy is he G.I. He'll probably be a much better leader if we do any fighting, but it's basic training all over again now. Our Captain says he is ok. I'm withholding my judgement for a while yet. I can't see any sense in a lot of the things he is having done so at present I'd be prejudiced against him. I'll see what happens in the future and then draw an opinion. One thing that tickles me is he seems to have put the officers as well as the men on the ball. That's a big point in his favor.
I haven't done any more work on my little projects but they are still cooking and one of these days they'll be on their way to you. Gosh I'm having a lot of fun getting back at you for teasing me so long. I guess I'm not being quite fair about it either 'cause these won't be as nice surprises as the ones you sent me. I love 'em, honey. I love you too.
Almost the end of September again. Time sure does fly doesn't it? Even as much as I miss and want to be back with you the time isn't dragging. I wish I knew how much longer it was going to be though. On second thought, maybe I don't want to know either. I remember a year ago about this time. I knew I was coming home in a couple weeks and boy, how those two weeks did drag. Time just wouldn't seem to pass fast enough to suit me. Then they made me wait another two days before I could come home. That was a swell furlough, honey. I'll never forget a minute of it. We loved and loved and went places and had so much fun. The next one will be better yet 'cause I think it will be a permanent furlough from the army. Happy day for us. I know for one, I'm going to try to make up for all the things I'm missing. Sound like fun? I'll say it does.
Now I guess I'll tell you a little about the rubber industry here in N.G. Full of lessons ain't I? I can't figure any rhyme or reason for the location of these rubber plantations. I'd think they would be as close to the coast and transportation as possible. Instead of that they go way back into the interior where, until very recently, the only way in or out was on foot or by air. Like Australia, N.G. used air transport for nearly everything back from the coast. The rubber seems to grow any place it is planted in the lower altitudes. It is a very fast growing tree and gets rather big. It is white barked and has leaves similar to an ash only bigger. In thirty years the trees grow from seedlings to 3 feet through and 70 ft tall. Very bush top. Trunks usually divide a few feet above the ground into three or four sections and makes a beautiful shade tree. Nice places to camp or stop for a rest. Rubber trees are native to only S. America and all of this in the S.W.P. has been planted here. They are the only tree here that looses all its leaves for a short time each year. The rest of the trees here are evergreen. I don't mean of the pine family, and loose leaves all year around, few at a time so they always look the same.
The rubber trees are tapped all year around at present. In normal times the owners will let them have a rest of three to four weeks a year, at least, and may give them more. The tapping is started when the trees are eight to ten inches through. The trunk is divided into three equal sections and the first slanting cut is made about four feet above the ground and as long as the one third section. The cut is only through the first bark. A small wooden trough is stuck into the bark at the low end of the cut. The thick milky sap follows the cut and drips from the trough into a cup. A tree will only yield about a pint a day. The tapping is done every day, only a very thin shaving being taken from the bottom of the former cut. The shaving is so thin that it takes three years to tap to the ground. Then another one third section of the trunk is tapped for it's three years and then the last. That makes nine years that the old scars have had to heal before re tapping is started.
The sap is gathered every day and is handled in two ways, depending on the size and equipment of the plantation. On the larger ones it is poured into divided wood settling tanks to a depth of about two inches. The divisions are about ten inches wide. A small amount of chemical is poured into it to hasten the settling. Stands over night and the crude rubber has settled into a spongy sheet about an inch thick. It is taken out and put through a wringer to squeeze out all the water and compress the rubber into a pure white sheet about 1/8 inch thick. This is hung out to dry like the wash. From a distance it does look like a big wash of handkerchiefs or three cornered pants. I thought that when I first saw it. When dry it is hung over sticks in the smokehouse and smoked like ham for another day. That cures it and turns it a rich golden brown. It is now ready to bale and send to the rubber factories. Pure gum rubber.
The cruder way used on plantations of small size and run by natives is to gather the sap in a bucket or any kind of container and just leave it stand for several days. By this time the same spongy mass has settled and the natives then pack the crude rubber to someplace where it will be smoked before being shipped. This rubber looks like a dirty white sponge varying in size and as thick as six inches. Doesn't take much equipment does it? A tree of average size will produce about $20.00 worth of gum rubber a year or about 280 pounds. There, sweetheart, is another bit of information I picked up first hand on my trip. Now do you begin to believe it was worth the trouble and the lack of letters to you? I really did see and learn as much as I ever have in a comparable length of time. If I could do as well every two weeks I'd be an educated man and be able to keep up with my librarian.
Night, sweetheart. I'm not getting much loving in these letters but love and lessons never did mix. To hell with the lessons. Give me the love every time. I'll write a loving one soon. I do love you more and more all the time. You're my perfect wife.
Your hubby.
Norm.
Thurs eve
Sept. 28, 1944
Hi Beautiful;
Another day and still no letters from you. There has been very little mail coming into the outfit for several days. Must be some holdup either at the base or in the movement of mail. It'll all come at once one of these days again. I do miss having those nice sweet letters every day though. I know I can't kick. You just had two weeks with no letters at all. T.S. isn't it, honey? I love you even if I do go gallivanting off and don't write.
Got our issue of cigarettes for October today. I got one carton of Luckies, two Chesterfields, and one Raleigh. Some mixture isn't it? No more get used to one brand and you get three others the next time. Also could buy two packages of pipe tobacco. Bond Street. I sure don't know where all the Camels are going. We've never even seen one over here yet. No beer this month either. I don't care about that at all. Warm beer isn't anything to go wild about.
Things have been happening in the outfit. Since we've been overseas our commander has been loosing his grip and paying no attention to business, except monkey business, and "chicken", so an I.G. [inspecting general] was called in and listened to all the bitches and complaints of the officers and enlisted men alike. The result is we have a new commander. An old army man and boy is he G.I. He'll probably be a much better leader if we do any fighting, but it's basic training all over again now. Our Captain says he is ok. I'm withholding my judgement for a while yet. I can't see any sense in a lot of the things he is having done so at present I'd be prejudiced against him. I'll see what happens in the future and then draw an opinion. One thing that tickles me is he seems to have put the officers as well as the men on the ball. That's a big point in his favor.
I haven't done any more work on my little projects but they are still cooking and one of these days they'll be on their way to you. Gosh I'm having a lot of fun getting back at you for teasing me so long. I guess I'm not being quite fair about it either 'cause these won't be as nice surprises as the ones you sent me. I love 'em, honey. I love you too.
Almost the end of September again. Time sure does fly doesn't it? Even as much as I miss and want to be back with you the time isn't dragging. I wish I knew how much longer it was going to be though. On second thought, maybe I don't want to know either. I remember a year ago about this time. I knew I was coming home in a couple weeks and boy, how those two weeks did drag. Time just wouldn't seem to pass fast enough to suit me. Then they made me wait another two days before I could come home. That was a swell furlough, honey. I'll never forget a minute of it. We loved and loved and went places and had so much fun. The next one will be better yet 'cause I think it will be a permanent furlough from the army. Happy day for us. I know for one, I'm going to try to make up for all the things I'm missing. Sound like fun? I'll say it does.
Now I guess I'll tell you a little about the rubber industry here in N.G. Full of lessons ain't I? I can't figure any rhyme or reason for the location of these rubber plantations. I'd think they would be as close to the coast and transportation as possible. Instead of that they go way back into the interior where, until very recently, the only way in or out was on foot or by air. Like Australia, N.G. used air transport for nearly everything back from the coast. The rubber seems to grow any place it is planted in the lower altitudes. It is a very fast growing tree and gets rather big. It is white barked and has leaves similar to an ash only bigger. In thirty years the trees grow from seedlings to 3 feet through and 70 ft tall. Very bush top. Trunks usually divide a few feet above the ground into three or four sections and makes a beautiful shade tree. Nice places to camp or stop for a rest. Rubber trees are native to only S. America and all of this in the S.W.P. has been planted here. They are the only tree here that looses all its leaves for a short time each year. The rest of the trees here are evergreen. I don't mean of the pine family, and loose leaves all year around, few at a time so they always look the same.
The rubber trees are tapped all year around at present. In normal times the owners will let them have a rest of three to four weeks a year, at least, and may give them more. The tapping is started when the trees are eight to ten inches through. The trunk is divided into three equal sections and the first slanting cut is made about four feet above the ground and as long as the one third section. The cut is only through the first bark. A small wooden trough is stuck into the bark at the low end of the cut. The thick milky sap follows the cut and drips from the trough into a cup. A tree will only yield about a pint a day. The tapping is done every day, only a very thin shaving being taken from the bottom of the former cut. The shaving is so thin that it takes three years to tap to the ground. Then another one third section of the trunk is tapped for it's three years and then the last. That makes nine years that the old scars have had to heal before re tapping is started.
The sap is gathered every day and is handled in two ways, depending on the size and equipment of the plantation. On the larger ones it is poured into divided wood settling tanks to a depth of about two inches. The divisions are about ten inches wide. A small amount of chemical is poured into it to hasten the settling. Stands over night and the crude rubber has settled into a spongy sheet about an inch thick. It is taken out and put through a wringer to squeeze out all the water and compress the rubber into a pure white sheet about 1/8 inch thick. This is hung out to dry like the wash. From a distance it does look like a big wash of handkerchiefs or three cornered pants. I thought that when I first saw it. When dry it is hung over sticks in the smokehouse and smoked like ham for another day. That cures it and turns it a rich golden brown. It is now ready to bale and send to the rubber factories. Pure gum rubber.
The cruder way used on plantations of small size and run by natives is to gather the sap in a bucket or any kind of container and just leave it stand for several days. By this time the same spongy mass has settled and the natives then pack the crude rubber to someplace where it will be smoked before being shipped. This rubber looks like a dirty white sponge varying in size and as thick as six inches. Doesn't take much equipment does it? A tree of average size will produce about $20.00 worth of gum rubber a year or about 280 pounds. There, sweetheart, is another bit of information I picked up first hand on my trip. Now do you begin to believe it was worth the trouble and the lack of letters to you? I really did see and learn as much as I ever have in a comparable length of time. If I could do as well every two weeks I'd be an educated man and be able to keep up with my librarian.
Night, sweetheart. I'm not getting much loving in these letters but love and lessons never did mix. To hell with the lessons. Give me the love every time. I'll write a loving one soon. I do love you more and more all the time. You're my perfect wife.
Your hubby.
Norm.
Sunday, September 23, 2012
Letter # 481 September 27, 1944
New Guinea
Wed. eve
Sept. 27, 1944
Hello Beautiful;
No letters again today so this will turn into another traveltalk or something. My day was the usual things except that it was Wed and we have the afternoon off. We are now getting Wed & Sat afternoons off and all day Sunday, so you can see we aren't hurting ourselves very much. If my Mummy were only someplace near it would be a pretty good life. Have lots of time to see you. The nights are nice and long too. I like long nights when I'm with you. Here there is nothing to do but sleep and while I guess that doesn't hurt me any, I can think I can think of lots of things I'd sooner do with part of that time. Sure are wasting a lot of valuable time aren't we? I love you so much, honey. I want you darn it.
I just want to tell you that I used up part of my afternoon working on my project and even got a start on another so you see, in place of one project I now have two in the fire. So far they are doing satisfactorily and I think you'll like 'em. Now don't wet your pants 'cause they won't be finished for some time and I'm not sure they will come air mail. Don't you wish you knew what they were? Can you guess? Aw, come on and try. This is fun, honey. I told you I'd get even some way and I think I'm doing it now. How about it? Mean isn't it, honey? I also took a couple links out of my new bracelet so it fits real good now. I like it a lot, honey. Means an awful lot.
While I'm thinking about it, here is another request. If you can still get it, I could use a couple tubes of Lepage's Liquid Solder and a couple of Dupont's Household Cement. Harold will have them if they are available. Also a couple bars of red sealing wax. The stuff that gets real hard and looks like a
chocolate bar.
You are probably wondering what in the hell I want those things for. Well, you can wonder but I won't tell you. They are the beginning of some more surprises that I have in mind for the future. I should have asked for them long ago but I never expected to have the time to use them. May not when they get here but then again I may. That's all I'm going to say about that now. I'm teasing you. Can you tell? I love you too. You're my beautiful, bewitching and beguiling Baby. My wife too and that's the best part of it all. I'd be lost without you even now when I don't have much of you. You're sweet.
Now I'm going to talk a bit about Australia. I know you could find all of this in books but I got it first hand and most of it is something I never knew so it may be as interesting to you as it was to me.
The chap I was talking to is from the southern part, about 160 miles west of Sydney and a hundred north of Melbourne. He is from a sheep station, as they call them. We'd say ranch 'cause they have about 3400 acres and sheep is about all they raise. They have a small herd of white face beef that they pasture ahead of the sheep to eat off the taller grasses. The pastures are largely native virgin grass but in the past few years they have been planting some alfalfa. That grows easily, no lime or fertilizer necessary. This probably isn't very interesting to you but Pop may be interested. The sheep are all Moreno. Here was an interesting point. They are subject to drought some years that get so bad there is absolutely no feed at all. Instead of having a store of hay or grains or feed of some sort all ready for such an emergency they cut the tops from a native bushy tree and feed that. The trees grow in spots all over that area and they are careful to keep them and even plant more. The topping doesn't hurt them much and in a season or so will be grown out enough to use for feed again. The leaves are very nutritious and even when fed exclusively for two or three months the sheep are still in good shape. One tree will furnish a day's feed for about a hundred sheep. Some work though I'd say. Think of feeding 5000 sheep that way.
Water wells are easily had at a depth of only 50 to 80 feet and never run dry. Funny for a semi arid country. In that area about half the wells are artesian and the rest have to be pumped.
Farther north around Charlesville and Winton, the whole valley west of the coast range, all the wells are artesian and some so strong they spout ten to fifteen feet above the ground. They never know though until the well comes in if it will be cold water or hot water. Isn't that something? Both good water so it should be handy if a man was lucky enough to have one of each. I know if we had that we'd have a swimming pool in no time and even be able to control the temperature of the water. All the hot water you could possibly use. They make no attempt to irrigate any of their land. Don't need it. They only have a small population,
7 million, and can grow all thy need and more in the coast areas where they have plenty rain.
One of their biggest pests is the lowly cottontail rabbit and he is so bad they are compelled to fence their land with netting fences or they eat everything in sight. They kill them wholesale and since the war they are used for food for the army. We've had them once here.
Another pest as well as useful, is the emu. It's an ostrich like bird of great size. They are so strong that they tear up the fences if they want in or out and so, cause trouble. The Aussies make sport of running them down on horses and roping them. The useful part is the eggs. They raise no fowls in Australia so the emu egg is their only eggs. Big enough to make a meal for six men and good tasting. They are plentiful so when they want eggs they hunt one up and lug it home. Only enough dairy to supply their own wants. They have no market for any produce unless it is shipped such great distances so they have lived largely for themselves. Now they are supplying a large part of the food for the Yanks down under and you can see why we eat as we do. They must be doing a wonderful job under the present pressure. They have a larger percent in the armed forces in proportion to population than we have. Labor is really scarce. After getting used to their manner and speech I like the Aussies I've met very much.
The climate was a big surprise to me. I had always thought that it was largely the same as our country. It isn't. The entire northern half is sub-tropical, very similar to New Guinea. The southern half is more temperate but compares to the climate in our southern states. It freezes in the southern part and has been known to get as cold as 15 above zero at times but snow is rarely seen except for the mountain peaks. How does that compare with your idea of it?
The interior is largely semi arid, like our own New Mexico and Arizona, and grows a bush similar to our sage brush and sparse grass. It is largely open land. Only mines and etc. have as yet opened it up at all. That explains the large Australian Air Force. No roads and vast distances to be covered so they did it by plane long before nations like ours used them much.
Editor's Note: The closing page of this letter is missing. May find it yet.
Wed. eve
Sept. 27, 1944
Hello Beautiful;
No letters again today so this will turn into another traveltalk or something. My day was the usual things except that it was Wed and we have the afternoon off. We are now getting Wed & Sat afternoons off and all day Sunday, so you can see we aren't hurting ourselves very much. If my Mummy were only someplace near it would be a pretty good life. Have lots of time to see you. The nights are nice and long too. I like long nights when I'm with you. Here there is nothing to do but sleep and while I guess that doesn't hurt me any, I can think I can think of lots of things I'd sooner do with part of that time. Sure are wasting a lot of valuable time aren't we? I love you so much, honey. I want you darn it.
I just want to tell you that I used up part of my afternoon working on my project and even got a start on another so you see, in place of one project I now have two in the fire. So far they are doing satisfactorily and I think you'll like 'em. Now don't wet your pants 'cause they won't be finished for some time and I'm not sure they will come air mail. Don't you wish you knew what they were? Can you guess? Aw, come on and try. This is fun, honey. I told you I'd get even some way and I think I'm doing it now. How about it? Mean isn't it, honey? I also took a couple links out of my new bracelet so it fits real good now. I like it a lot, honey. Means an awful lot.
While I'm thinking about it, here is another request. If you can still get it, I could use a couple tubes of Lepage's Liquid Solder and a couple of Dupont's Household Cement. Harold will have them if they are available. Also a couple bars of red sealing wax. The stuff that gets real hard and looks like a
chocolate bar.
You are probably wondering what in the hell I want those things for. Well, you can wonder but I won't tell you. They are the beginning of some more surprises that I have in mind for the future. I should have asked for them long ago but I never expected to have the time to use them. May not when they get here but then again I may. That's all I'm going to say about that now. I'm teasing you. Can you tell? I love you too. You're my beautiful, bewitching and beguiling Baby. My wife too and that's the best part of it all. I'd be lost without you even now when I don't have much of you. You're sweet.
Now I'm going to talk a bit about Australia. I know you could find all of this in books but I got it first hand and most of it is something I never knew so it may be as interesting to you as it was to me.
The chap I was talking to is from the southern part, about 160 miles west of Sydney and a hundred north of Melbourne. He is from a sheep station, as they call them. We'd say ranch 'cause they have about 3400 acres and sheep is about all they raise. They have a small herd of white face beef that they pasture ahead of the sheep to eat off the taller grasses. The pastures are largely native virgin grass but in the past few years they have been planting some alfalfa. That grows easily, no lime or fertilizer necessary. This probably isn't very interesting to you but Pop may be interested. The sheep are all Moreno. Here was an interesting point. They are subject to drought some years that get so bad there is absolutely no feed at all. Instead of having a store of hay or grains or feed of some sort all ready for such an emergency they cut the tops from a native bushy tree and feed that. The trees grow in spots all over that area and they are careful to keep them and even plant more. The topping doesn't hurt them much and in a season or so will be grown out enough to use for feed again. The leaves are very nutritious and even when fed exclusively for two or three months the sheep are still in good shape. One tree will furnish a day's feed for about a hundred sheep. Some work though I'd say. Think of feeding 5000 sheep that way.
Water wells are easily had at a depth of only 50 to 80 feet and never run dry. Funny for a semi arid country. In that area about half the wells are artesian and the rest have to be pumped.
Farther north around Charlesville and Winton, the whole valley west of the coast range, all the wells are artesian and some so strong they spout ten to fifteen feet above the ground. They never know though until the well comes in if it will be cold water or hot water. Isn't that something? Both good water so it should be handy if a man was lucky enough to have one of each. I know if we had that we'd have a swimming pool in no time and even be able to control the temperature of the water. All the hot water you could possibly use. They make no attempt to irrigate any of their land. Don't need it. They only have a small population,
7 million, and can grow all thy need and more in the coast areas where they have plenty rain.
One of their biggest pests is the lowly cottontail rabbit and he is so bad they are compelled to fence their land with netting fences or they eat everything in sight. They kill them wholesale and since the war they are used for food for the army. We've had them once here.
Another pest as well as useful, is the emu. It's an ostrich like bird of great size. They are so strong that they tear up the fences if they want in or out and so, cause trouble. The Aussies make sport of running them down on horses and roping them. The useful part is the eggs. They raise no fowls in Australia so the emu egg is their only eggs. Big enough to make a meal for six men and good tasting. They are plentiful so when they want eggs they hunt one up and lug it home. Only enough dairy to supply their own wants. They have no market for any produce unless it is shipped such great distances so they have lived largely for themselves. Now they are supplying a large part of the food for the Yanks down under and you can see why we eat as we do. They must be doing a wonderful job under the present pressure. They have a larger percent in the armed forces in proportion to population than we have. Labor is really scarce. After getting used to their manner and speech I like the Aussies I've met very much.
The climate was a big surprise to me. I had always thought that it was largely the same as our country. It isn't. The entire northern half is sub-tropical, very similar to New Guinea. The southern half is more temperate but compares to the climate in our southern states. It freezes in the southern part and has been known to get as cold as 15 above zero at times but snow is rarely seen except for the mountain peaks. How does that compare with your idea of it?
The interior is largely semi arid, like our own New Mexico and Arizona, and grows a bush similar to our sage brush and sparse grass. It is largely open land. Only mines and etc. have as yet opened it up at all. That explains the large Australian Air Force. No roads and vast distances to be covered so they did it by plane long before nations like ours used them much.
Editor's Note: The closing page of this letter is missing. May find it yet.
Sunday, September 16, 2012
Letter # 480 September 26. 1944
New Guinea
Tuesday eve.
Sept. 26
My precious sweetheart;
Well, honey, you can quit wondering and teasing me about your second little surprise. It got here today. I can see now why you were so anxious for me to get it and get whatever comment might be forthcoming. After the many times I told you I didn't want one I can imagine you are wondering how it would be received. I'll be honest about it. I really didn't want one as you know. But, honey, I love it anyhow. Those two words inscribed on the very back make it very precious. Love, Babe. That makes it so much more than an ordinary identification bracelet that I'll always love it and wear it too, whenever I can. It's too nice to wear for work and everything everyday but you can bet that if we ever start moving it'll be on my wrist all the time. Like having a picture of you in my pocket where I can look at it all the time. Your best wishes and love with me at all times. I like it an awful lot for what it means and I think you sent it with that idea in mind more than as an ordinary bracelet. This may not all be very clear but what I'm trying to say is I love it. I love you too. It's a beauty, honey. I'll be proud to wear it for you, so there too. Does that ease your mind and satisfy you about what I think of it? Your letters and the hints about it sounded a bit like you almost expected a calling down about it. Am I right? You should have known better. I like anything you send or anything you do. I love you. It really is a beauty. I'll have to take a few links out of the chain but that is a small matter and then it will be perfect. The boys all thought it was a dandy also. I can't get lost now, can I? I could even wear that when I'm around you. Wouldn't be in the way like dog tags are. You're sweet, honey. I love you so much. Love, Babe. I like that, honey.
The little package was all I got today. No letters. Must be some congestion in the mail both ways. You weren't getting yours very regularly and I'm not either. Can't kick yet though. The last letter I got is only thirteen days old. I'll be getting a bunch of them again one of these days.
As I've said before, don't ever doubt for a minute that I'm not taking care of myself 'cause I am. I'm making as sure as I can that I'm going to come back as good as I left if not better. Anyhow I think my beautiful wife will have her hands full with her old bald headed man. He'll be ornery as hell and hard to get along with.
I will avail myself of the permission to take a ride in a transport if I ever get the opportunity. I do think it would be fun to go someplace that way and then I'd like to see what the country looks like from above. Beside that, it's free if I can manage it. That may be just another way that you will change. The day may come when we'll go on our weekend trips in our own car of the air. It's very probable a few years after the war.
Yes, you probably could do something about it or at least as much as you could if you were right here. Even though you wouldn't ever know if I did things you didn't want me to, I still respect your wishes as much as I can. I love you and I like to do what you want me to in most cases. I sure proved that by going to Jungle School didn't I? Right after you had told me you didn't want me to go back into the interior. It wasn't altogether my adventurous spirit although that had a lot to do with it. What I learned may someday mean the difference that counts. Anyhow it didn't hurt me a bit and it will make a good story for you to hear someday.
Sweetheart, I don't think you need to worry a bit about my Mom not liking you. I'm sure she does. Remember she has some of my traits and one is not to show what our feelings really are. She has never said much to me on the subject but I've always been of the opinion that she approves of you very much. Why shouldn't she? You're the best a man could ever have and I love you.
Yes, honey, the score of seven is very correct. We made that mark on Aug 7, 1943 and I'll never forget it. Will you? We were both hurtin as a result but by Tuesday we were good as new. I don't mind a bit hurtin that way. Like it much better than hurtin the way I am now, that's for sure. I'm not going to promise to break that record either but I sure intend to try and with a lot of help and encouragement of the right kind it could easily happen. Guess I'd better make a note to cut the phones wires though. No interruptions needed or wanted. Your exclamation to Art when he called at an inopportune moment about covers the situation. Another of your involuntary exclamations that I'll never forget.
I sure do remember the time at Bub & Betty's when I got mad at you and I'm not a bit repentant for being mad even yet. That was about the first time a girl had ever done that to me to that extent and I was hurtin plenty. I couldn't believe that you could be innocent of the turmoil you were causing and I guess I did everything but use force when we walked down the lane. I was even tempted to use force. I still can't understand how you were so innocent when you had a brother like Ed around and had gone about with Len Rotman and Bill Hartman but I have since come to believe it and you're forgiven. You were forgiven very soon after that anyhow, and I got rather used to it so I wasn't hurtin too bad the rest of our courtin days. I just couldn't help but love you. You're what I want. Gee, I'm glad I gotcha.
You seem to think some of the things I do now are recent developments but not all of them are, as Mom can tell you. I used to spend a lot of time drawing maps and things and they tell me I used to sew when I was a kid. Started out like a priss didn't I? I'll admit I've learned a lot about telling and even showing my feelings but that can all be credited to your influence. This separation has made it necessary for me to talk a lot more than I had to at home.
There, beautiful, I guess that finishes your letters up to date. If I don't get any to answer tomorrow I will have a chance to give you another "Traveltalk" letter. I hope you like those kind and can get an idea of what I've seen from them. I was intending to put a little of it in this one but I guess I'm about unwound for tonight. I'll start on that when I feel in the mood and can do justice to the subject material.
Thanks an awful lot for the "token" bracelet, honey. It's a dandy. I'll love it and think of you every time I look at it. I wish the "Love, Babe" were on top but I know it's there and that is what counts.
Night my sweetheart. I'm loving you so much. I'm thanking you with a lot of hugs and kisses, the kind you like. Of course they are long distance, imaginary ones darn it.
Your hubby.
Norm.
Tuesday eve.
Sept. 26
My precious sweetheart;
Well, honey, you can quit wondering and teasing me about your second little surprise. It got here today. I can see now why you were so anxious for me to get it and get whatever comment might be forthcoming. After the many times I told you I didn't want one I can imagine you are wondering how it would be received. I'll be honest about it. I really didn't want one as you know. But, honey, I love it anyhow. Those two words inscribed on the very back make it very precious. Love, Babe. That makes it so much more than an ordinary identification bracelet that I'll always love it and wear it too, whenever I can. It's too nice to wear for work and everything everyday but you can bet that if we ever start moving it'll be on my wrist all the time. Like having a picture of you in my pocket where I can look at it all the time. Your best wishes and love with me at all times. I like it an awful lot for what it means and I think you sent it with that idea in mind more than as an ordinary bracelet. This may not all be very clear but what I'm trying to say is I love it. I love you too. It's a beauty, honey. I'll be proud to wear it for you, so there too. Does that ease your mind and satisfy you about what I think of it? Your letters and the hints about it sounded a bit like you almost expected a calling down about it. Am I right? You should have known better. I like anything you send or anything you do. I love you. It really is a beauty. I'll have to take a few links out of the chain but that is a small matter and then it will be perfect. The boys all thought it was a dandy also. I can't get lost now, can I? I could even wear that when I'm around you. Wouldn't be in the way like dog tags are. You're sweet, honey. I love you so much. Love, Babe. I like that, honey.
The little package was all I got today. No letters. Must be some congestion in the mail both ways. You weren't getting yours very regularly and I'm not either. Can't kick yet though. The last letter I got is only thirteen days old. I'll be getting a bunch of them again one of these days.
As I've said before, don't ever doubt for a minute that I'm not taking care of myself 'cause I am. I'm making as sure as I can that I'm going to come back as good as I left if not better. Anyhow I think my beautiful wife will have her hands full with her old bald headed man. He'll be ornery as hell and hard to get along with.
I will avail myself of the permission to take a ride in a transport if I ever get the opportunity. I do think it would be fun to go someplace that way and then I'd like to see what the country looks like from above. Beside that, it's free if I can manage it. That may be just another way that you will change. The day may come when we'll go on our weekend trips in our own car of the air. It's very probable a few years after the war.
Yes, you probably could do something about it or at least as much as you could if you were right here. Even though you wouldn't ever know if I did things you didn't want me to, I still respect your wishes as much as I can. I love you and I like to do what you want me to in most cases. I sure proved that by going to Jungle School didn't I? Right after you had told me you didn't want me to go back into the interior. It wasn't altogether my adventurous spirit although that had a lot to do with it. What I learned may someday mean the difference that counts. Anyhow it didn't hurt me a bit and it will make a good story for you to hear someday.
Sweetheart, I don't think you need to worry a bit about my Mom not liking you. I'm sure she does. Remember she has some of my traits and one is not to show what our feelings really are. She has never said much to me on the subject but I've always been of the opinion that she approves of you very much. Why shouldn't she? You're the best a man could ever have and I love you.
Yes, honey, the score of seven is very correct. We made that mark on Aug 7, 1943 and I'll never forget it. Will you? We were both hurtin as a result but by Tuesday we were good as new. I don't mind a bit hurtin that way. Like it much better than hurtin the way I am now, that's for sure. I'm not going to promise to break that record either but I sure intend to try and with a lot of help and encouragement of the right kind it could easily happen. Guess I'd better make a note to cut the phones wires though. No interruptions needed or wanted. Your exclamation to Art when he called at an inopportune moment about covers the situation. Another of your involuntary exclamations that I'll never forget.
I sure do remember the time at Bub & Betty's when I got mad at you and I'm not a bit repentant for being mad even yet. That was about the first time a girl had ever done that to me to that extent and I was hurtin plenty. I couldn't believe that you could be innocent of the turmoil you were causing and I guess I did everything but use force when we walked down the lane. I was even tempted to use force. I still can't understand how you were so innocent when you had a brother like Ed around and had gone about with Len Rotman and Bill Hartman but I have since come to believe it and you're forgiven. You were forgiven very soon after that anyhow, and I got rather used to it so I wasn't hurtin too bad the rest of our courtin days. I just couldn't help but love you. You're what I want. Gee, I'm glad I gotcha.
You seem to think some of the things I do now are recent developments but not all of them are, as Mom can tell you. I used to spend a lot of time drawing maps and things and they tell me I used to sew when I was a kid. Started out like a priss didn't I? I'll admit I've learned a lot about telling and even showing my feelings but that can all be credited to your influence. This separation has made it necessary for me to talk a lot more than I had to at home.
There, beautiful, I guess that finishes your letters up to date. If I don't get any to answer tomorrow I will have a chance to give you another "Traveltalk" letter. I hope you like those kind and can get an idea of what I've seen from them. I was intending to put a little of it in this one but I guess I'm about unwound for tonight. I'll start on that when I feel in the mood and can do justice to the subject material.
Thanks an awful lot for the "token" bracelet, honey. It's a dandy. I'll love it and think of you every time I look at it. I wish the "Love, Babe" were on top but I know it's there and that is what counts.
Night my sweetheart. I'm loving you so much. I'm thanking you with a lot of hugs and kisses, the kind you like. Of course they are long distance, imaginary ones darn it.
Your hubby.
Norm.
Friday, September 7, 2012
Letter # 479 September 25, 1944
New Guinea
Monday eve.
Sept 25, 1944
My Sweetheart;
Nothing of interest in my day so I won't dwell on it, just back at the old work like at Polk. I'll go right to answering your letters. Didn't get any today but I have three here to work on and then I'll be caught up again. Took me quite a while to get over that stack I had. Now for your Sept 11th.
I hope by this time you have been able to find Steve's first stopping place. Probably have to be a very recent map. Quite close to a place famous in the news of '42 - '43. I sure know where it is.
I didn't have as many letters when I got here as Steve did though. He had fifty four. That's a lot of them. Just the same, I bet they weren't as long or as sweet as the ones I get. I'd like to see a letter of his to his wife. Wonder if it would be like all the others he writes?
I don't quite get why Jean couldn't go to see Gus even if he does work seven days a week. He could be with her at night couldn't he? It does look a lot like he would get to stay in the states. Good for him. I'd like to be able to see my Mummy once in a while too. Once in a while, hell! I want to see her all the time. I love her so much.
You can bet I manage to keep busy at something most of the time. If the army slips and doesn't do it, I can always find a lot of things I want to do. Never get half of them done either. That's the way I want it anyhow. You know me. I can't sit still too long at one time and I sure don't need to spend any more time sleeping. Now with the W.A.C. in I can surely keep busy. Of course I won't resort to that unless I have nothing else to do. Just something to keep on tap.
I think you are worrying too much about the heat down here. I'm not kidding when I say it isn't a bit worse than La. Anyhow I don't mind it as much as I did there. I'm getting used to it I guess. The only bad part is the being wet constantly. The nights are still cool and I use a blanket every night, sometimes two. That's one feature we didn't have in La. Sleep like a log here and rest very well except on the nights when I find something similar to a very small log in bed with me. Don't let me kid you. I even sleep plenty well then. Wouldn't though if there was anything better to do. Gosh, honey, we're missing you plenty in lots of ways.
We must be getting into our rainy season. It's raining again tonight. It did that when we were first here. The change of the seasons must bring it on. I have recently learned that this particular section is one of the driest on the island and was chosen for that particular reason. Let her rain. I don't care. With my modifications on the tent, I'm nice and dry. When the thermometer gets here I can tell you what it really is. It'll register plenty high. I'm certain it has never been near 120 degrees yet.
So you're having fun teasing me about the surprises are you? That reminds me. I worked a little more on my surprise for you. I think it's going to be cute. It'll probably take me some time yet to finish it so don't get ants in your pants. If you wonder and are as much surprised as I was, everything will be ok. This won't be as nice as my surprise was but I think you'll like it.
Have you ever heard any more about Tony?
Gosh, honey, you don't know how glad I am that we all get along so well as a family. I hear so much swearing and cussing out of mothers-in-law all the time, it makes me sick. In some cases it may be true. They can't all have as nice in-laws as I have, but I think a lot of it must be their fault also. I've surely never had any reason to do the least bit of swearing at my new Mom & Pop. Much the contrary. I owe them a lot of thanks. It also makes me very happy to be told that they think about the same of me. I want them to, 'cause I like 'em. Gosh, honey, they sure raised a swell daughter. I'm very much in love with her. Did you know it? I am. She's still the best I've ever seen or will see I think
It does sound nice for Grafton in Hawaii, but some fellows that have been there since the war say it is little better in most ways than here and in some ways worse. Terribly crowded and almost impossible to do anything unless you stand in line for hours and hours. That's one of the reasons I seldom go anyplace since I've been in the army. I never did like crowds and that is what there always is. I'm satisfied with this as long as it has to be anything.
I was glad to hear about Gleason. I supposed he was still in college and here he has been over for some time already. They are nearly all getting in some traveling aren't they? If his mother is right and he is on an S.S.T. it seems funny if they are hauling wounded or prisoners. That is the type of boat that usually carries our kind of outfit to the scene of the operations. He went in as an Ensign, didn't he? Didn't you once say they were expecting?
You are right in thinking the "back to work" phrase meant we were getting equipment. I never realized that it wasn't a very definite statement.
Your guess as to what our job will be may be very correct. Until recently I would have bet on it but now I'm not so sure. I am almost of the opinion that there will be very little fighting for the Philippines. Probably cut them off and render them useless to Japan. This is merely my guess and isn't a bit better than yours.
This tent house of ours may look very primitive to you but, strange as it may seem, I like it a lot better than any barracks I was ever in. Very comfortable in this climate and beside all that, there is no scrubbing the floor every morning and no set time for lights, such as they are, to be out and also no standard way for equipment and things to be kept. In other words it's more like being in a home of my own making. Get the idea? A retreat from all the regular army shit. My things don't have to exactly match the other fellows.
Can you forget the surprise I'm cooking up for you? You're a softee too, I bet. This is kinda fun isn't it? I hope I don't build you up too much and then let you down when you get it. Don't expect too much. Things to work with are plenty limited down here.
If your library job is for the duration you won't need to worry about being out of a job, not if you accept the one I have for you. Of course, I am very much afraid the six months plus will be close to up by the time I get back, but you can be very sure I'll be there the first day possible. This having a perfect wife way over there, and me way over here isn't a bit to my liking. I want my wife. That's why I've got her.
Yes, honey, I'll vote seeing you are so set on it. I'll be glad to get any dope Pop may care to send only I'm afraid you're giving him a job he won't like very much. He will probably feel like he is influencing or telling me what to do. I won't take it at all that way but it is a delicate subject for most people.
Night, sweetheart. I'm loving you so much.
Your Hubby.
Norm.
Monday eve.
Sept 25, 1944
My Sweetheart;
Nothing of interest in my day so I won't dwell on it, just back at the old work like at Polk. I'll go right to answering your letters. Didn't get any today but I have three here to work on and then I'll be caught up again. Took me quite a while to get over that stack I had. Now for your Sept 11th.
I hope by this time you have been able to find Steve's first stopping place. Probably have to be a very recent map. Quite close to a place famous in the news of '42 - '43. I sure know where it is.
I didn't have as many letters when I got here as Steve did though. He had fifty four. That's a lot of them. Just the same, I bet they weren't as long or as sweet as the ones I get. I'd like to see a letter of his to his wife. Wonder if it would be like all the others he writes?
I don't quite get why Jean couldn't go to see Gus even if he does work seven days a week. He could be with her at night couldn't he? It does look a lot like he would get to stay in the states. Good for him. I'd like to be able to see my Mummy once in a while too. Once in a while, hell! I want to see her all the time. I love her so much.
You can bet I manage to keep busy at something most of the time. If the army slips and doesn't do it, I can always find a lot of things I want to do. Never get half of them done either. That's the way I want it anyhow. You know me. I can't sit still too long at one time and I sure don't need to spend any more time sleeping. Now with the W.A.C. in I can surely keep busy. Of course I won't resort to that unless I have nothing else to do. Just something to keep on tap.
I think you are worrying too much about the heat down here. I'm not kidding when I say it isn't a bit worse than La. Anyhow I don't mind it as much as I did there. I'm getting used to it I guess. The only bad part is the being wet constantly. The nights are still cool and I use a blanket every night, sometimes two. That's one feature we didn't have in La. Sleep like a log here and rest very well except on the nights when I find something similar to a very small log in bed with me. Don't let me kid you. I even sleep plenty well then. Wouldn't though if there was anything better to do. Gosh, honey, we're missing you plenty in lots of ways.
We must be getting into our rainy season. It's raining again tonight. It did that when we were first here. The change of the seasons must bring it on. I have recently learned that this particular section is one of the driest on the island and was chosen for that particular reason. Let her rain. I don't care. With my modifications on the tent, I'm nice and dry. When the thermometer gets here I can tell you what it really is. It'll register plenty high. I'm certain it has never been near 120 degrees yet.
So you're having fun teasing me about the surprises are you? That reminds me. I worked a little more on my surprise for you. I think it's going to be cute. It'll probably take me some time yet to finish it so don't get ants in your pants. If you wonder and are as much surprised as I was, everything will be ok. This won't be as nice as my surprise was but I think you'll like it.
Have you ever heard any more about Tony?
Gosh, honey, you don't know how glad I am that we all get along so well as a family. I hear so much swearing and cussing out of mothers-in-law all the time, it makes me sick. In some cases it may be true. They can't all have as nice in-laws as I have, but I think a lot of it must be their fault also. I've surely never had any reason to do the least bit of swearing at my new Mom & Pop. Much the contrary. I owe them a lot of thanks. It also makes me very happy to be told that they think about the same of me. I want them to, 'cause I like 'em. Gosh, honey, they sure raised a swell daughter. I'm very much in love with her. Did you know it? I am. She's still the best I've ever seen or will see I think
It does sound nice for Grafton in Hawaii, but some fellows that have been there since the war say it is little better in most ways than here and in some ways worse. Terribly crowded and almost impossible to do anything unless you stand in line for hours and hours. That's one of the reasons I seldom go anyplace since I've been in the army. I never did like crowds and that is what there always is. I'm satisfied with this as long as it has to be anything.
I was glad to hear about Gleason. I supposed he was still in college and here he has been over for some time already. They are nearly all getting in some traveling aren't they? If his mother is right and he is on an S.S.T. it seems funny if they are hauling wounded or prisoners. That is the type of boat that usually carries our kind of outfit to the scene of the operations. He went in as an Ensign, didn't he? Didn't you once say they were expecting?
You are right in thinking the "back to work" phrase meant we were getting equipment. I never realized that it wasn't a very definite statement.
Your guess as to what our job will be may be very correct. Until recently I would have bet on it but now I'm not so sure. I am almost of the opinion that there will be very little fighting for the Philippines. Probably cut them off and render them useless to Japan. This is merely my guess and isn't a bit better than yours.
This tent house of ours may look very primitive to you but, strange as it may seem, I like it a lot better than any barracks I was ever in. Very comfortable in this climate and beside all that, there is no scrubbing the floor every morning and no set time for lights, such as they are, to be out and also no standard way for equipment and things to be kept. In other words it's more like being in a home of my own making. Get the idea? A retreat from all the regular army shit. My things don't have to exactly match the other fellows.
Can you forget the surprise I'm cooking up for you? You're a softee too, I bet. This is kinda fun isn't it? I hope I don't build you up too much and then let you down when you get it. Don't expect too much. Things to work with are plenty limited down here.
If your library job is for the duration you won't need to worry about being out of a job, not if you accept the one I have for you. Of course, I am very much afraid the six months plus will be close to up by the time I get back, but you can be very sure I'll be there the first day possible. This having a perfect wife way over there, and me way over here isn't a bit to my liking. I want my wife. That's why I've got her.
Yes, honey, I'll vote seeing you are so set on it. I'll be glad to get any dope Pop may care to send only I'm afraid you're giving him a job he won't like very much. He will probably feel like he is influencing or telling me what to do. I won't take it at all that way but it is a delicate subject for most people.
Night, sweetheart. I'm loving you so much.
Your Hubby.
Norm.
Monday, August 27, 2012
Letter # 478 September 24, 1944
New Guinea
Sunday eve.
Sept. 24, '44
Hi Sweetheart;
This has been an ideal Sunday to catch up on back correspondence. That rain that started last night kept right on all night and a good part of the day so you can see it was a day to stay in. This morning I wrote five letters. Vi, Mom, Marg, Harold and the Dulaneys. That cleans up the duty letters for the present again and all I have to worry about are my privilege letters. They all go to a very sweet, chubby, dark haired girl with the warmest look and sweetest smile a man ever saw. She's built too! The kind it's hard to stay away from. Want to get an armful of her and squeeze and then go exploring. Being an explorer at heart anyhow, I really go for her in a big way. I'm in love with her too. That may be a bit unusual seeing as how she has been my wife for the past four years, but it's true and I'm so glad about the whole thing. She's my one and only and always will be. I love you Baby.
I got another letter from you today. Your Sept 13th. For some reason my mail, from your reports, must have slowed up a bit at this time. Maybe it's a good thing. That might shorten up the blank stretch while I was at Jungle School. I'm a bit curious to hear what you thought of me going off that way when I really didn't have to. I know you'll be sweet about it but maybe I can read a little between the lines and see what you really are thinking about it. I see, in today's letter, you say you'd sooner I took an airplane ride than go back in the jungle. The airplane ride may be coming I hope. While I think of it, Steve's wife's information about where he landed is correct.
This afternoon I started work on another of of the little projects I had in mind. Of course it will probably be several weeks yet before I can even send it but nevertheless, it's cooking. One thing about it though, I don't think it will be too heavy to come air mail but it might. I hope not 'cause I think you'll like this. It's really for a Christmas present but I just can't wait to send it to you. You can just consider it an early one. I bet you can't guess what it is can you? Don't you wish you knew? No, it's not a bracelet, so there too.
There, you old devil, I guess I can tease a bit too. I'm mean aren't I? I love you though.
Now I'm going to get busy on your letters. Sept 5th. You tell me you're going around showing people your ring. Well, I'm showing everyone your picture too. They all say, "Very nice" and then wonder all over again how you came to marry me. They don't know it yet but I'm nice. I'm proud of that picture honey. No, I'm not carrying your nice lady picture around with me 'cause I don't want to ruin it. I keep it propped up in my desk right where I can look at it when I'm sitting here. Now I've got the beautiful lady picture right along side of it. Gosh, honey, you sure do look good. I had to change the cellophane idea. It's so damp at night the cellophane stretches and then in the day dries out and shrinks. I can't keep the edges anchored so I've got them in a folder now.
Honey, the cigars and a lot of the stuff that I didn't ask for at first were only suggestions. They aren't things I really need so don't try too hard to get everything I ask for. The things I really want are, writing paper, tobacco, cigarette lighters, film, and things to fess on. The rest are only suggestions. I forgot to add, soap, in small quantities. I'm getting a good stock of it now and a bar once in a while will keep me going. As long as our washing machine keeps going I won't be using much laundry soap. This week was my first to have my washing done. Does a good job too. We pay 32cents a month to buy soap and pay the operator a little. McDaniel is doing it for the whole company.
Mick has probably been put into some sort of supply or clerical work. At least it's the logical thing seeing he had no combat training at all. Never can tell in the army though. The number of supply men, truck drivers and such is tremendous for a thing as big as that.
You aren't the only one that thought there might be method in your sending such big sheets of paper. Last eve "Rip" Rentleman [Staff Sgt] was paying a visit. I had just about finished my letter and the sheets were laying on my bunk. He wondered where in hell I got the paper and when I told him he said, " I bet she did that to keep you writing a decent size letter." He said he didn't see how in the hell I could write so much. Then I showed him the stack I had from you and that explained it. I showed him my new picture too. "Very nice" was his remark. Can't believe you're 21 though. See, I told you, you looked as good as any 20 year old. I love you, darling.
So you're comparing Bob's actions to his Jackie, to mine with you, and say, "exact opposites". Well, we seem to be almost exact opposites in everything don't we? Anyhow that is only public actions. After we got started and were alone I don't believe you suffered very much from inattention. Did you? He's been a ladies man a lot longer than I had to. Remember you were my first girl and I was innocent.
Poor Art and his mishap at three in the morning. You can tell him not to be belittling himself by saying he's too old to do such a trick. When a man's too old for that he might as well knock himself in the head. I'm not as old as he is by a few years but I seem to have the same trouble rather regular and I'm not a bit ashamed of it. Anyhow it's proof there is no cheating going on. I don't think Marg is very nice to laugh at him about it. Ain't fair.
That was real timing on the anniversary card. Getting there exactly on the day. I had really meant to send them sooner but when that bastard stole the one ring I had to wait until I could make another. Anyhow it came out all right. I'm trying to get ideas now for Christmas cards. [If I have time].
Honey, I don't believe I was the main reason you went to football games. I got you started but I've seen you have a darn good time at many a game and even when the weather was plenty bad. Remember the Wadsworth game two years ago? I rather believe it's like you once said, you got used to doing outdoor things after I came along and have really grown to like some of them. I wish I could go to the games with you, but seeing I can't, you see 'em for me and tell me about 'em.
So Charles Stevens is on the sick list again. I guess he had better stick to the country life. Doesn't seem to be able to take it in the city. Wisconsin always intrigued me too. We talked of going there several times but it was just too far for a weekend and we were too busy on our last vacations to take the time to go. We might some day if our plans don't develop too fast. A good fishing and ______ trip up there would be swell.
You don't have to apologize for reading a book about Marines. Remember I always wanted to be one and I'd still like to be. I'm only in the army 'cause that is where they put me.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------that are doing----------------------------------------------------------- [These lines were censored, cut from the page]
You can tell Mrs. Claggett that I can and will send her some coins. I can put a couple in an envelope and that way they'll get there sometime and not next year. I haven't been able to get hold of their penny or pence but I have the other common sizes. I'll be sending them. I'll donate them in return for some of the bits of learning her husband drilled into my head. I like teachers anyhow. Whoops, forgot, librarians are supposed to come first now.
While I'm thinking of it, I'm issuing you a warning. You better treat me nice 'cause there is a bunch of W.A.C.S. in this area now and beside that, Vi wrote me the name and address of an old school friend of hers who is over here on Red Cross work. She is only four or five miles away. So there too. Aren't you worried?
You're wrong, honey. I haven't been trying to think of any new positions and don't think I will. In the first place, I cease being numb and the second, I think we do all right as we go along. I like to do things by trial rather than blueprint. Anyhow it'll all be plenty fun and very satisfactory. It'll all be new for quite some time.
Sure I'm interested in hearing all about Bob & Jackie. I'd like to have been there to meet her too. If I had been maybe you wouldn't have been hurtin so much from watching them woo. You'd have had some of your own to do. Probably been able to show the kids a few new ones even, I know they couldn't have been any more sincere. I loves my honey. I am very glad to hear your revised opinion. You've done so well in most cases I had about accepted your first estimate and thinking Bob had maybe made a mistake. I sure hope not.
Time to quit this prattle again. I'm getting caught up now. Up to Sept 11 with my answering but I still have a train trip to finish and some more about N.G. and etc. I won't run out of things to write about for some time yet.
Night, sweetheart. I'm loving you so much. It's getting harder and harder the longer I stay away. I want to come home Mummy. I love you. Here's a long juicy kiss.
Your hubby.
Norm.
Sunday eve.
Sept. 24, '44
Hi Sweetheart;
This has been an ideal Sunday to catch up on back correspondence. That rain that started last night kept right on all night and a good part of the day so you can see it was a day to stay in. This morning I wrote five letters. Vi, Mom, Marg, Harold and the Dulaneys. That cleans up the duty letters for the present again and all I have to worry about are my privilege letters. They all go to a very sweet, chubby, dark haired girl with the warmest look and sweetest smile a man ever saw. She's built too! The kind it's hard to stay away from. Want to get an armful of her and squeeze and then go exploring. Being an explorer at heart anyhow, I really go for her in a big way. I'm in love with her too. That may be a bit unusual seeing as how she has been my wife for the past four years, but it's true and I'm so glad about the whole thing. She's my one and only and always will be. I love you Baby.
I got another letter from you today. Your Sept 13th. For some reason my mail, from your reports, must have slowed up a bit at this time. Maybe it's a good thing. That might shorten up the blank stretch while I was at Jungle School. I'm a bit curious to hear what you thought of me going off that way when I really didn't have to. I know you'll be sweet about it but maybe I can read a little between the lines and see what you really are thinking about it. I see, in today's letter, you say you'd sooner I took an airplane ride than go back in the jungle. The airplane ride may be coming I hope. While I think of it, Steve's wife's information about where he landed is correct.
This afternoon I started work on another of of the little projects I had in mind. Of course it will probably be several weeks yet before I can even send it but nevertheless, it's cooking. One thing about it though, I don't think it will be too heavy to come air mail but it might. I hope not 'cause I think you'll like this. It's really for a Christmas present but I just can't wait to send it to you. You can just consider it an early one. I bet you can't guess what it is can you? Don't you wish you knew? No, it's not a bracelet, so there too.
There, you old devil, I guess I can tease a bit too. I'm mean aren't I? I love you though.
Now I'm going to get busy on your letters. Sept 5th. You tell me you're going around showing people your ring. Well, I'm showing everyone your picture too. They all say, "Very nice" and then wonder all over again how you came to marry me. They don't know it yet but I'm nice. I'm proud of that picture honey. No, I'm not carrying your nice lady picture around with me 'cause I don't want to ruin it. I keep it propped up in my desk right where I can look at it when I'm sitting here. Now I've got the beautiful lady picture right along side of it. Gosh, honey, you sure do look good. I had to change the cellophane idea. It's so damp at night the cellophane stretches and then in the day dries out and shrinks. I can't keep the edges anchored so I've got them in a folder now.
Honey, the cigars and a lot of the stuff that I didn't ask for at first were only suggestions. They aren't things I really need so don't try too hard to get everything I ask for. The things I really want are, writing paper, tobacco, cigarette lighters, film, and things to fess on. The rest are only suggestions. I forgot to add, soap, in small quantities. I'm getting a good stock of it now and a bar once in a while will keep me going. As long as our washing machine keeps going I won't be using much laundry soap. This week was my first to have my washing done. Does a good job too. We pay 32cents a month to buy soap and pay the operator a little. McDaniel is doing it for the whole company.
Mick has probably been put into some sort of supply or clerical work. At least it's the logical thing seeing he had no combat training at all. Never can tell in the army though. The number of supply men, truck drivers and such is tremendous for a thing as big as that.
You aren't the only one that thought there might be method in your sending such big sheets of paper. Last eve "Rip" Rentleman [Staff Sgt] was paying a visit. I had just about finished my letter and the sheets were laying on my bunk. He wondered where in hell I got the paper and when I told him he said, " I bet she did that to keep you writing a decent size letter." He said he didn't see how in the hell I could write so much. Then I showed him the stack I had from you and that explained it. I showed him my new picture too. "Very nice" was his remark. Can't believe you're 21 though. See, I told you, you looked as good as any 20 year old. I love you, darling.
So you're comparing Bob's actions to his Jackie, to mine with you, and say, "exact opposites". Well, we seem to be almost exact opposites in everything don't we? Anyhow that is only public actions. After we got started and were alone I don't believe you suffered very much from inattention. Did you? He's been a ladies man a lot longer than I had to. Remember you were my first girl and I was innocent.
Poor Art and his mishap at three in the morning. You can tell him not to be belittling himself by saying he's too old to do such a trick. When a man's too old for that he might as well knock himself in the head. I'm not as old as he is by a few years but I seem to have the same trouble rather regular and I'm not a bit ashamed of it. Anyhow it's proof there is no cheating going on. I don't think Marg is very nice to laugh at him about it. Ain't fair.
That was real timing on the anniversary card. Getting there exactly on the day. I had really meant to send them sooner but when that bastard stole the one ring I had to wait until I could make another. Anyhow it came out all right. I'm trying to get ideas now for Christmas cards. [If I have time].
Honey, I don't believe I was the main reason you went to football games. I got you started but I've seen you have a darn good time at many a game and even when the weather was plenty bad. Remember the Wadsworth game two years ago? I rather believe it's like you once said, you got used to doing outdoor things after I came along and have really grown to like some of them. I wish I could go to the games with you, but seeing I can't, you see 'em for me and tell me about 'em.
So Charles Stevens is on the sick list again. I guess he had better stick to the country life. Doesn't seem to be able to take it in the city. Wisconsin always intrigued me too. We talked of going there several times but it was just too far for a weekend and we were too busy on our last vacations to take the time to go. We might some day if our plans don't develop too fast. A good fishing and ______ trip up there would be swell.
You don't have to apologize for reading a book about Marines. Remember I always wanted to be one and I'd still like to be. I'm only in the army 'cause that is where they put me.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------that are doing----------------------------------------------------------- [These lines were censored, cut from the page]
You can tell Mrs. Claggett that I can and will send her some coins. I can put a couple in an envelope and that way they'll get there sometime and not next year. I haven't been able to get hold of their penny or pence but I have the other common sizes. I'll be sending them. I'll donate them in return for some of the bits of learning her husband drilled into my head. I like teachers anyhow. Whoops, forgot, librarians are supposed to come first now.
While I'm thinking of it, I'm issuing you a warning. You better treat me nice 'cause there is a bunch of W.A.C.S. in this area now and beside that, Vi wrote me the name and address of an old school friend of hers who is over here on Red Cross work. She is only four or five miles away. So there too. Aren't you worried?
You're wrong, honey. I haven't been trying to think of any new positions and don't think I will. In the first place, I cease being numb and the second, I think we do all right as we go along. I like to do things by trial rather than blueprint. Anyhow it'll all be plenty fun and very satisfactory. It'll all be new for quite some time.
Sure I'm interested in hearing all about Bob & Jackie. I'd like to have been there to meet her too. If I had been maybe you wouldn't have been hurtin so much from watching them woo. You'd have had some of your own to do. Probably been able to show the kids a few new ones even, I know they couldn't have been any more sincere. I loves my honey. I am very glad to hear your revised opinion. You've done so well in most cases I had about accepted your first estimate and thinking Bob had maybe made a mistake. I sure hope not.
Time to quit this prattle again. I'm getting caught up now. Up to Sept 11 with my answering but I still have a train trip to finish and some more about N.G. and etc. I won't run out of things to write about for some time yet.
Night, sweetheart. I'm loving you so much. It's getting harder and harder the longer I stay away. I want to come home Mummy. I love you. Here's a long juicy kiss.
Your hubby.
Norm.
Sunday, August 19, 2012
Letter # 477 September 23, 1944
New Guinea
Saturday eve
Sept. 23, 1944
My Sweetheart;
Got two more letters from you today. Sept 11 & 12. That's two more to catch up on now. I'm going to start right in on this pile of them now. Sept 3rd comes first. You devil. Saying you'll see what you can do about sending me a picture of you and all the time you have one on the way and never peep about it. You must have learned self control. The Babe I used to know would never have been able to keep a surprise that long. It was sweet of you to send it and I don't mind the teasing a bit. Putting your hair up and all just to have your picture taken for me. No dead pan in this one either. You're really putting out. I'd sure like to plant a few good solid kisses on those smiling lips and then a lot more juicy ones. Would you tell me to close my mouth like you used to do? Remember? Don't know why but I'm betting you wouldn't say a word, but would take and return. How about it? Gosh, honey, I'm tingling just thinking about it. Did you know you're very beautiful? You are. This picture proves it. I love you.
I can see you really are sold on being a family woman. After making dream plans of all the places you want to go, you discard them all in favor of staying home and raising a little "it". Seeing I can't call it Velma I'll dub it "it". Not having much of a preference for names I'll let you furnish the suggestions. I always wanted to go traveling too but after all this I'm ready to stay in our own back yard and learn to be Pop if it's so willed.
As for being like your folks and doing our going after the family is grown, I don't know. We didn't get a very early start and aren't going to be so young by that time. Want me to send a test tube so we can get a start right away?
Now you're even raking the gravel back in the drive and worked so hard you got a blister. Gosh, honey, you're really becoming more than a wife. You're surely doing your best to keep things going until I get home again. I'm proud of you. You're more than perfect. I love you so much. I know it isn't necessary to say this but I will anyhow. If the drive looks like it needs any more stone, be sure and get it put on before spring. No use getting stuck and causing Art any more trouble.
I sure like that. You hate insects around you and then add, you don't mean me. You can call me an insect or anything else but don't ever say you don't want me around you or so help me I'll stay over here and get me an Aussie red head. They tell me the Aussie girls go for the Yanks 'cause they aren't as reserved and, as we say, slow, as their own men are. So there too. I saw an Australian red headed nurse a while back and she sure looked pretty good. Maybe I wouldn't even want to come home.
It's been thundering and lightening for the last hour or so and sure has the feel of a big rain on the way. A thunderstorm is unusual down here. Maybe I'll get a chance to try out the curtains I put on some time back. It's starting to sprinkle now.
The victory garden is coming along in great shape. If we hadn't had to wait for seeds to get over here we'd have some produce to eat now. Things grow much faster here than at home. Tomatoes are big, healthy plants and have flowers and some green ones already. Did I say it was sprinkling? It's pouring.
My storm curtains are doing a good job. The lights aren't even blowing very much. We also finished putting a wood floor in our tent this afternoon so we're really getting fixed up. Get it all in shape and then take off, I expect. Things are always damp down here anyhow so if the tent leaks a bit it makes no difference. I can even sleep in a puddle of water anymore. I did one night on the trail and never wakened enough to realize it until morning.
Honey, I wasn't telling a tale about the June bug. That's surely not the name for it but I can't describe it any better. They really are at least three inches long. I know it sounds like a creation at a liar's club but it isn't . As I've said this is a bug paradise and they really grow big. I've seen thousand legged worms that look like a greatly magnified edition of our own. Some are nearly a foot long. Most of the flies are like the big blue bottle ones at home. Few small ones. The little snails we find in the woods, well, down here, the shells are as much as three inches across. Some butterflies are so big they look like a robin in flight. I saw a lot of the most beautiful blue ones. Captain Spencer says it is the "Blue Emperor" and would be worth $50.00 in the states. I tried to catch one but they usually fly high and seldom light. I wasn't after the money. I just wanted one. Really beautiful. Ants come in all sizes from ones so small they almost look like a crab, to some big black ones over an inch long. When we came back to our base camp after being away for the trip one of the boys in my squad found an ant nest in his extra pair of shoes. They were these big fellows and their eggs were nearly the size of a quinine capsule. The grubs the natives eat are almost like a shrimp. An inch thick and three to four inches long.
Unusual growth doesn't only apply to insects either. There is a variety of pigeon here that weighs as much as fifteen pounds. There is also a flightless bird, the Cassowary [I don't think that is spelled right]
that is similar to an ostrich but only about four feet tall that can kick hard enough to break a man's leg. Lizards from one to two feet long, snakes of the python variety as long as 32 feet, rats two feet long, bats or flying foxes with a four foot wing spread.
The vegetation doesn't take a back seat either. Trees are all big and tall. I'd guess a lot of them at well over a hundred feet. Vines so long they go over the tops of several trees and may be as much as a foot thick at the root. The oranges grow on trees as big as our oak in front of the house and look like grapefruit. Green skinned when ripe. Bananas with more than a hundred on a bunch and some of them a foot long. The banana are anywhere from ten to thirty feet tall and have wide flat leaves as long as ten feet. Make excellent roofing for temporary shelters. You can check any of these statements and I think you'll find them nearly correct.
Strange as it may seem I could tell some "tall" tales but I'll leave that until I get home.
I sure got sidetracked there didn't I? I hope all the statistics didn't bore you. Now I'll get on with the letters.
I guess I told you that I found out I don't want to raise a beard even over here. It wouldn't scratch you much after it grows out but if I were you I'd sure hate to be smooched by a mass of hair like that. It was very annoying.
Gee, honey, you make me feel flattered by telling me you were jealous about me kissing someone else first so you tried to act like you didn't like to have me kiss you. Huh! Whiskery! You devil. Makes me feel good to know you were a bit hurt. Didn't think I ever had a girl jealous about me up to that time. If you'd have told me that then I wouldn't have been so slow trying it again. I liked it and wanted to bad enough but didn't think you wanted me to. You see, even then, I wanted to please you and have you like me. When your birthday came around I couldn't hold out any longer. It may surprise you to know I had my mind all made up to try it again no matter what the circumstances when I came out that night. You may remember how uneasy I was and how we sat and talked. I fidgeted until I finally worked up the nerve to carry out my plans. I lost my nerve as soon as I kissed you and took off. I liked it so much and hoped you wouldn't kick me out next time I came around. You didn't. Gosh, sweetheart, I love you so much.
You can bet I remember the night out in the yard where the cistern now is, while we were building the house, and also the time upstairs. I'll never forget a one of those firsts. I also remember another time before we went to Met. Parks with Gus and Vi. You said never again 'cause you were all worn out. By the way, the upstairs time was after Sept 8 by about a week and four or five days. Remember you waited until we got home and then had bad days. That was the first good day and, until you came to Ky. held the record. Know the score then and now? I do.
You can take a box of Duz [?] to bed with you but I don't think it'll be as satisfactory as another package I can think of that will really does and does some more.
You seem to like the ring so much it encourages me to work on some more projects if I can find the time. I like to do things for you. You always seem to appreciate anything so much. You're sweet and I love you and miss you so darn much. I need you to keep me thinking I'm worth quite a bit. You'll have me conceited pretty soon if you don't watch out.
Honey, I like this big stationery. It does take a lot to fill them but I don't get interrupted by changing sheets very often. Did you ever, out of curiosity, count the words in a letter on this paper? It's over a thousand. A thousand word essay in school seemed a whole dictionary but these don't seem to be any work at all. Takes a little time but it's a labor of love and time well spent.
Don't get spoiled, honey, by these four page ones. I'm trying to make up for the two weeks I missed and will probably go back to two or three pages after a bit.
Here I am out of paper again and only up to Sept 5 letter. Oh well, another day coming.
Night, sweetheart, I love you so much and I'm dreaming of you a lot. Good dreaming too.
Your soldier.
Norm.
Saturday eve
Sept. 23, 1944
My Sweetheart;
Got two more letters from you today. Sept 11 & 12. That's two more to catch up on now. I'm going to start right in on this pile of them now. Sept 3rd comes first. You devil. Saying you'll see what you can do about sending me a picture of you and all the time you have one on the way and never peep about it. You must have learned self control. The Babe I used to know would never have been able to keep a surprise that long. It was sweet of you to send it and I don't mind the teasing a bit. Putting your hair up and all just to have your picture taken for me. No dead pan in this one either. You're really putting out. I'd sure like to plant a few good solid kisses on those smiling lips and then a lot more juicy ones. Would you tell me to close my mouth like you used to do? Remember? Don't know why but I'm betting you wouldn't say a word, but would take and return. How about it? Gosh, honey, I'm tingling just thinking about it. Did you know you're very beautiful? You are. This picture proves it. I love you.
I can see you really are sold on being a family woman. After making dream plans of all the places you want to go, you discard them all in favor of staying home and raising a little "it". Seeing I can't call it Velma I'll dub it "it". Not having much of a preference for names I'll let you furnish the suggestions. I always wanted to go traveling too but after all this I'm ready to stay in our own back yard and learn to be Pop if it's so willed.
As for being like your folks and doing our going after the family is grown, I don't know. We didn't get a very early start and aren't going to be so young by that time. Want me to send a test tube so we can get a start right away?
Now you're even raking the gravel back in the drive and worked so hard you got a blister. Gosh, honey, you're really becoming more than a wife. You're surely doing your best to keep things going until I get home again. I'm proud of you. You're more than perfect. I love you so much. I know it isn't necessary to say this but I will anyhow. If the drive looks like it needs any more stone, be sure and get it put on before spring. No use getting stuck and causing Art any more trouble.
I sure like that. You hate insects around you and then add, you don't mean me. You can call me an insect or anything else but don't ever say you don't want me around you or so help me I'll stay over here and get me an Aussie red head. They tell me the Aussie girls go for the Yanks 'cause they aren't as reserved and, as we say, slow, as their own men are. So there too. I saw an Australian red headed nurse a while back and she sure looked pretty good. Maybe I wouldn't even want to come home.
It's been thundering and lightening for the last hour or so and sure has the feel of a big rain on the way. A thunderstorm is unusual down here. Maybe I'll get a chance to try out the curtains I put on some time back. It's starting to sprinkle now.
The victory garden is coming along in great shape. If we hadn't had to wait for seeds to get over here we'd have some produce to eat now. Things grow much faster here than at home. Tomatoes are big, healthy plants and have flowers and some green ones already. Did I say it was sprinkling? It's pouring.
My storm curtains are doing a good job. The lights aren't even blowing very much. We also finished putting a wood floor in our tent this afternoon so we're really getting fixed up. Get it all in shape and then take off, I expect. Things are always damp down here anyhow so if the tent leaks a bit it makes no difference. I can even sleep in a puddle of water anymore. I did one night on the trail and never wakened enough to realize it until morning.
Honey, I wasn't telling a tale about the June bug. That's surely not the name for it but I can't describe it any better. They really are at least three inches long. I know it sounds like a creation at a liar's club but it isn't . As I've said this is a bug paradise and they really grow big. I've seen thousand legged worms that look like a greatly magnified edition of our own. Some are nearly a foot long. Most of the flies are like the big blue bottle ones at home. Few small ones. The little snails we find in the woods, well, down here, the shells are as much as three inches across. Some butterflies are so big they look like a robin in flight. I saw a lot of the most beautiful blue ones. Captain Spencer says it is the "Blue Emperor" and would be worth $50.00 in the states. I tried to catch one but they usually fly high and seldom light. I wasn't after the money. I just wanted one. Really beautiful. Ants come in all sizes from ones so small they almost look like a crab, to some big black ones over an inch long. When we came back to our base camp after being away for the trip one of the boys in my squad found an ant nest in his extra pair of shoes. They were these big fellows and their eggs were nearly the size of a quinine capsule. The grubs the natives eat are almost like a shrimp. An inch thick and three to four inches long.
Unusual growth doesn't only apply to insects either. There is a variety of pigeon here that weighs as much as fifteen pounds. There is also a flightless bird, the Cassowary [I don't think that is spelled right]
that is similar to an ostrich but only about four feet tall that can kick hard enough to break a man's leg. Lizards from one to two feet long, snakes of the python variety as long as 32 feet, rats two feet long, bats or flying foxes with a four foot wing spread.
The vegetation doesn't take a back seat either. Trees are all big and tall. I'd guess a lot of them at well over a hundred feet. Vines so long they go over the tops of several trees and may be as much as a foot thick at the root. The oranges grow on trees as big as our oak in front of the house and look like grapefruit. Green skinned when ripe. Bananas with more than a hundred on a bunch and some of them a foot long. The banana are anywhere from ten to thirty feet tall and have wide flat leaves as long as ten feet. Make excellent roofing for temporary shelters. You can check any of these statements and I think you'll find them nearly correct.
Strange as it may seem I could tell some "tall" tales but I'll leave that until I get home.
I sure got sidetracked there didn't I? I hope all the statistics didn't bore you. Now I'll get on with the letters.
I guess I told you that I found out I don't want to raise a beard even over here. It wouldn't scratch you much after it grows out but if I were you I'd sure hate to be smooched by a mass of hair like that. It was very annoying.
Gee, honey, you make me feel flattered by telling me you were jealous about me kissing someone else first so you tried to act like you didn't like to have me kiss you. Huh! Whiskery! You devil. Makes me feel good to know you were a bit hurt. Didn't think I ever had a girl jealous about me up to that time. If you'd have told me that then I wouldn't have been so slow trying it again. I liked it and wanted to bad enough but didn't think you wanted me to. You see, even then, I wanted to please you and have you like me. When your birthday came around I couldn't hold out any longer. It may surprise you to know I had my mind all made up to try it again no matter what the circumstances when I came out that night. You may remember how uneasy I was and how we sat and talked. I fidgeted until I finally worked up the nerve to carry out my plans. I lost my nerve as soon as I kissed you and took off. I liked it so much and hoped you wouldn't kick me out next time I came around. You didn't. Gosh, sweetheart, I love you so much.
You can bet I remember the night out in the yard where the cistern now is, while we were building the house, and also the time upstairs. I'll never forget a one of those firsts. I also remember another time before we went to Met. Parks with Gus and Vi. You said never again 'cause you were all worn out. By the way, the upstairs time was after Sept 8 by about a week and four or five days. Remember you waited until we got home and then had bad days. That was the first good day and, until you came to Ky. held the record. Know the score then and now? I do.
You can take a box of Duz [?] to bed with you but I don't think it'll be as satisfactory as another package I can think of that will really does and does some more.
You seem to like the ring so much it encourages me to work on some more projects if I can find the time. I like to do things for you. You always seem to appreciate anything so much. You're sweet and I love you and miss you so darn much. I need you to keep me thinking I'm worth quite a bit. You'll have me conceited pretty soon if you don't watch out.
Honey, I like this big stationery. It does take a lot to fill them but I don't get interrupted by changing sheets very often. Did you ever, out of curiosity, count the words in a letter on this paper? It's over a thousand. A thousand word essay in school seemed a whole dictionary but these don't seem to be any work at all. Takes a little time but it's a labor of love and time well spent.
Don't get spoiled, honey, by these four page ones. I'm trying to make up for the two weeks I missed and will probably go back to two or three pages after a bit.
Here I am out of paper again and only up to Sept 5 letter. Oh well, another day coming.
Night, sweetheart, I love you so much and I'm dreaming of you a lot. Good dreaming too.
Your soldier.
Norm.
Letter # 476 September 22, 1944
New Guinea
Friday eve
Sept 22, 1944
My Gorgeous armful;
You are an armful too. A big one. I know. I got something when I get hold of you. Very precious something too. I love you. Wish I had an armful of you right now. Bet you'd get squoze as you've never been squoze before. I'm hungry for a hunk of you. Gosh, it's nearly six months now and that's way too damn long to be away from you. Something about you. I always want to be near you. The nearer the better. Think it's because you're so nice and sweet and beautiful and satisfying? That's got a lot to do with it. I love you.
No more letters today so I'll go on where I left off last night. I was talking about the native dance. I had just come in the day before from the hike and then walked about ten miles to see the dance. Guess the hike must not have hurt me too much. I'm tough. Call me Jungle Jim now. I guess I must have a queer makeup 'cause I really enjoyed the whole thing and most of the fellows hated it all.
As I was walking up to the dance I passed several young couples coming away from it. I was struck by the happy look of them and more so by the fact that they were holding hands as they walked along. I later learned for sure what I suspected at the time. They were young fellows who had bought their first wife at the dance. That look couldn't have meant much of anything else. For them the dance had lost its interest. Wonder what they had in mind? I can't even venture a guess. Ordinarily there is absolutely no show of affection or tenderness between man and wife. In fact, it usually seems much the other way. She is practically a slave.
You mention that their marriage vows are not held sacred at dance times. In the first place there are no vows. She goes to the highest bidder and is apt to be one of three or more wives. Not a very good set up for fidelity. After all, she is a female and maybe she likes someone else better than her husband. Ain't it?
Every race of humans has its harlots and these people are no exception. At one of the missions they have a bad girl institution. They have been trying to curb adultery among the natives and when a girl is caught cheating she is confined to this place for six months or so and not allowed to associate with any men. These girls work the mission gardens and flowers and etc. There were quite a few of them serving time too. I can also see why. They were, even to my eyes, the best looking bunch of "Marys" I've seen among them all. They couldn't miss being popular. All young and in their prime. No men allowed, honey. So don't worry.
In some tribes, when the husband dies or is killed the women are also killed. That practice has been discouraged by the white men and where it has had effect, they find the widows usually become the village harlot. Guess they are only human.
Another interesting bit of information I picked up is that they know and practice a sort of birth control after conception. The Aussies have tried for years to get the secret without success. An unmarried girl or a wife that isn't to be that way and is, goes away from the village for a few days and comes back ready to start all over again. Curious huh?
I guess I better get at these letters again or I'll never get them answered.
The Charlie I mentioned: The bugler isn't in the picture. He is in another company. No I'm not any better at music than I ever was. I was told the piece was "Lady in Red". Hell, honey, I can hardly tell the difference between retreat and chow call. Look at my watch to be sure.
Gosh, honey, I guess we will have to get busy on this Mom & Pop stuff. Even the kids like Bob Kindig are getting way ahead of us. When we get the chance we'll do our part or, if not, it won't be for lack of trying will it?
Your mention of Dick Elder reminds me. He made the whole trip like a man and we had a picture taken together at the end of the trail. Two Medina boys are staying in the same unit anyhow.
Still teasing me about your surprise, you devil. I couldn't forget it if I wanted to, which I don't. I like your surprises. If they are all as nice as the surprise I have already gotten they are worth being teased about. Then there are some other surprises you've given me in the past months that didn't come by mail. [ Wish they could, damn it]. I'm talking about the kind you turned loose for the first time last year in Kentucky and then again, both times I was home. That kind of surprises are my favorites but these others are swell as long as we can't do any better. I'm going to expect some surprises when I get home again too. Can you furnish 'em? You're a surprising girl. I think you can. I'm so proud of you and love you so much. You're my darling wife. Gee I'm glad I gotcha Mummy.
Yes, honey, the worn out material in our sawmill was the big reason we gave it up. We had gotten enough material to build the camp anyhow and now we have other things to do.
I had another letter from Steve and it's a good thing I didn't get a chance to try to find him. He left the same day he wrote the letter. Said he had 54 letters waiting for him when he got there. That's quite a few. Also he had gotten over his first drunk and was ok, only missing his wife plenty. I know all about that. I hope he wasn't drinking jungle juice. If he was I bet he's cured now.
Jean's friend's brother isn't in this area and I don't know where that A.P.O. is. New one on me.
While you're talking about boxes, it reminds me that I haven't sent any request for a couple weeks. The same old stuff still goes. I can use tobacco and soap and lots and lots of that candy and cookies you sent. It sure tasted like more any time. The tea and canned stuff went very good too. I've used the last of the tea only last night. I drink a cup of it while I sit here writing. You do get swell ideas on what to send. You're swell. I love you.
I do like the idea of bunks for our upstairs only I'm not sure how they would work out. I'll have to do a little drawing. They would only be used in the small room 'cause we were figuring on the big one for us and I sure as hell don't want any bunks there. I want you right in the same bed where you can wake me up once in a while as you've promised to do. Bunks in the small room might work out and would be the thing for a son if we have one. We'll think about it.
Getting pretty big for your pants aren't you? Only working a couple weeks and doing it all by yourself. Smart girl. I'm so glad you like it so much.
I'm sorry about Harold getting the picture of me. Steve was going to send them to you but I guess he can't be blamed for slipping. Just married and then being shipped over right away. Guess you'll just have to visit Helen once in a while if you want to see it. There should be others also. Maybe you'll get them yet.
Honey, I was crocodile hunting one day on our trip. Got one too. What do you think of that? That's stretching things quite a bit. I wasn't hunting. I was swimming and it was entirely accidental and he was only a baby one. I saw him floating along in the current and thought he was dead. I picked him up and the poor little devil wasn't dead but darn near drowned. Laid him on rock in the hot sun and gave him a bit of artificial respiration and in a few minutes he began to come to. When he had sufficiently recovered he tried to make up in fierceness what he lacked in size. He was only about a foot long and had hardly any teeth yet. He did his best though. Squirming, hissing, and trying to snap at us. Gave him to a native. Suppose he ate him. See, you were beginning to get excited over nothing weren't you?
I'm told there are some, though, as big as 35 ft in length and so powerful they can easily drown a horse. Gosh, I would like to have a crack at some of them. I'm glad you're giving me permission 'cause I'm afraid I would anyhow.
The question about why Sgt Jarvis and now private Jarvis. These ratings aren't any more permanent than any civilian job. A man can be fired there. Here, he's broken.
What do you mean, I always had some project that didn't include you? If you remember I was always telling you, you should get out more and get some exercise, wasn't I ? You just didn't take to it very much. I had lots of work to do outside and Sunday was the best chance to do it. I reckon it will be the same in the future, but it always includes you if you want it to. We're partners in everything you know. I like to have you around if you don't bother me so much I can't work. Hard to keep my mind on work if you're too close. You're a luscious, exciting devil to me and I love you so much.
I'll always be satisfied to get up first only I'll still want Mummy to get my breakfast. O.K.?
Now, I'm up to your Sept 3 letter so I'm catching up a bit. Maybe I can finish up over the weekend. I'm only hitting the high spots and not commenting on them as Id like to but, gosh, to do that on on two week's letters and still keep up on the current ones, is more than I could manage. I think I'm answering all your questions.
Well sweetheart, here it is the end of another letter and another day. Every one is just so much closer to the day when we won't have to talk and love by long distance letter. It can't be too quick for me. I may not be much of a talker but by talking and acting I think I can do better than by letter. I'm loving you sweetheart.
Your hubby.
Norm.
Friday eve
Sept 22, 1944
My Gorgeous armful;
You are an armful too. A big one. I know. I got something when I get hold of you. Very precious something too. I love you. Wish I had an armful of you right now. Bet you'd get squoze as you've never been squoze before. I'm hungry for a hunk of you. Gosh, it's nearly six months now and that's way too damn long to be away from you. Something about you. I always want to be near you. The nearer the better. Think it's because you're so nice and sweet and beautiful and satisfying? That's got a lot to do with it. I love you.
No more letters today so I'll go on where I left off last night. I was talking about the native dance. I had just come in the day before from the hike and then walked about ten miles to see the dance. Guess the hike must not have hurt me too much. I'm tough. Call me Jungle Jim now. I guess I must have a queer makeup 'cause I really enjoyed the whole thing and most of the fellows hated it all.
As I was walking up to the dance I passed several young couples coming away from it. I was struck by the happy look of them and more so by the fact that they were holding hands as they walked along. I later learned for sure what I suspected at the time. They were young fellows who had bought their first wife at the dance. That look couldn't have meant much of anything else. For them the dance had lost its interest. Wonder what they had in mind? I can't even venture a guess. Ordinarily there is absolutely no show of affection or tenderness between man and wife. In fact, it usually seems much the other way. She is practically a slave.
You mention that their marriage vows are not held sacred at dance times. In the first place there are no vows. She goes to the highest bidder and is apt to be one of three or more wives. Not a very good set up for fidelity. After all, she is a female and maybe she likes someone else better than her husband. Ain't it?
Every race of humans has its harlots and these people are no exception. At one of the missions they have a bad girl institution. They have been trying to curb adultery among the natives and when a girl is caught cheating she is confined to this place for six months or so and not allowed to associate with any men. These girls work the mission gardens and flowers and etc. There were quite a few of them serving time too. I can also see why. They were, even to my eyes, the best looking bunch of "Marys" I've seen among them all. They couldn't miss being popular. All young and in their prime. No men allowed, honey. So don't worry.
In some tribes, when the husband dies or is killed the women are also killed. That practice has been discouraged by the white men and where it has had effect, they find the widows usually become the village harlot. Guess they are only human.
Another interesting bit of information I picked up is that they know and practice a sort of birth control after conception. The Aussies have tried for years to get the secret without success. An unmarried girl or a wife that isn't to be that way and is, goes away from the village for a few days and comes back ready to start all over again. Curious huh?
I guess I better get at these letters again or I'll never get them answered.
The Charlie I mentioned: The bugler isn't in the picture. He is in another company. No I'm not any better at music than I ever was. I was told the piece was "Lady in Red". Hell, honey, I can hardly tell the difference between retreat and chow call. Look at my watch to be sure.
Gosh, honey, I guess we will have to get busy on this Mom & Pop stuff. Even the kids like Bob Kindig are getting way ahead of us. When we get the chance we'll do our part or, if not, it won't be for lack of trying will it?
Your mention of Dick Elder reminds me. He made the whole trip like a man and we had a picture taken together at the end of the trail. Two Medina boys are staying in the same unit anyhow.
Still teasing me about your surprise, you devil. I couldn't forget it if I wanted to, which I don't. I like your surprises. If they are all as nice as the surprise I have already gotten they are worth being teased about. Then there are some other surprises you've given me in the past months that didn't come by mail. [ Wish they could, damn it]. I'm talking about the kind you turned loose for the first time last year in Kentucky and then again, both times I was home. That kind of surprises are my favorites but these others are swell as long as we can't do any better. I'm going to expect some surprises when I get home again too. Can you furnish 'em? You're a surprising girl. I think you can. I'm so proud of you and love you so much. You're my darling wife. Gee I'm glad I gotcha Mummy.
Yes, honey, the worn out material in our sawmill was the big reason we gave it up. We had gotten enough material to build the camp anyhow and now we have other things to do.
I had another letter from Steve and it's a good thing I didn't get a chance to try to find him. He left the same day he wrote the letter. Said he had 54 letters waiting for him when he got there. That's quite a few. Also he had gotten over his first drunk and was ok, only missing his wife plenty. I know all about that. I hope he wasn't drinking jungle juice. If he was I bet he's cured now.
Jean's friend's brother isn't in this area and I don't know where that A.P.O. is. New one on me.
While you're talking about boxes, it reminds me that I haven't sent any request for a couple weeks. The same old stuff still goes. I can use tobacco and soap and lots and lots of that candy and cookies you sent. It sure tasted like more any time. The tea and canned stuff went very good too. I've used the last of the tea only last night. I drink a cup of it while I sit here writing. You do get swell ideas on what to send. You're swell. I love you.
I do like the idea of bunks for our upstairs only I'm not sure how they would work out. I'll have to do a little drawing. They would only be used in the small room 'cause we were figuring on the big one for us and I sure as hell don't want any bunks there. I want you right in the same bed where you can wake me up once in a while as you've promised to do. Bunks in the small room might work out and would be the thing for a son if we have one. We'll think about it.
Getting pretty big for your pants aren't you? Only working a couple weeks and doing it all by yourself. Smart girl. I'm so glad you like it so much.
I'm sorry about Harold getting the picture of me. Steve was going to send them to you but I guess he can't be blamed for slipping. Just married and then being shipped over right away. Guess you'll just have to visit Helen once in a while if you want to see it. There should be others also. Maybe you'll get them yet.
Honey, I was crocodile hunting one day on our trip. Got one too. What do you think of that? That's stretching things quite a bit. I wasn't hunting. I was swimming and it was entirely accidental and he was only a baby one. I saw him floating along in the current and thought he was dead. I picked him up and the poor little devil wasn't dead but darn near drowned. Laid him on rock in the hot sun and gave him a bit of artificial respiration and in a few minutes he began to come to. When he had sufficiently recovered he tried to make up in fierceness what he lacked in size. He was only about a foot long and had hardly any teeth yet. He did his best though. Squirming, hissing, and trying to snap at us. Gave him to a native. Suppose he ate him. See, you were beginning to get excited over nothing weren't you?
I'm told there are some, though, as big as 35 ft in length and so powerful they can easily drown a horse. Gosh, I would like to have a crack at some of them. I'm glad you're giving me permission 'cause I'm afraid I would anyhow.
The question about why Sgt Jarvis and now private Jarvis. These ratings aren't any more permanent than any civilian job. A man can be fired there. Here, he's broken.
What do you mean, I always had some project that didn't include you? If you remember I was always telling you, you should get out more and get some exercise, wasn't I ? You just didn't take to it very much. I had lots of work to do outside and Sunday was the best chance to do it. I reckon it will be the same in the future, but it always includes you if you want it to. We're partners in everything you know. I like to have you around if you don't bother me so much I can't work. Hard to keep my mind on work if you're too close. You're a luscious, exciting devil to me and I love you so much.
I'll always be satisfied to get up first only I'll still want Mummy to get my breakfast. O.K.?
Now, I'm up to your Sept 3 letter so I'm catching up a bit. Maybe I can finish up over the weekend. I'm only hitting the high spots and not commenting on them as Id like to but, gosh, to do that on on two week's letters and still keep up on the current ones, is more than I could manage. I think I'm answering all your questions.
Well sweetheart, here it is the end of another letter and another day. Every one is just so much closer to the day when we won't have to talk and love by long distance letter. It can't be too quick for me. I may not be much of a talker but by talking and acting I think I can do better than by letter. I'm loving you sweetheart.
Your hubby.
Norm.
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