Sunday, December 30, 2012

Letter # 488 October 5, 1944

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.