Letter # 499 October 16, 1944

New Guinea
Monday eve.
Oct 16, 1944
Hello Bubbles;
I did very well at mail call last night.  Two missing ones from you and one from Vi.  Yours were Oct 1st & 2nd.  So now I'm all up to the minute on them again.  I've got the 1, 2, 3, to answer yet and I guess it's a good thing 'cause I can't think of anything to write about.  I could always write a naughty letter but I don't have the nerve and besides it's against the censorship rules.  No bad language and such, is supposed to be let through.  You'll have to write those kind of letters until things change, if any are written.
I was amused at Vi's letter.  She said you often read them parts of my letters only there were lots of places where you just said La-de-da and skipped to more commonplace things.  I guess this is telling tales out of school but you don't need to tell on me unless you want to.  Vi said she sure didn't begrudge you skipping those parts but she sure was dying of curiosity.  Maybe I had better write her a sample of some of the things you skip over.  How about it?  It would make rather racy reading if anyone ever got into that pile of letters I've written you.  Be like sitting down with an armful of that type of books not sold on new stands or in the libraries.  You know the kind I mean.
Anyhow I betcha people could gather that I am very much in love with my wife and think she's the best ever made.  Of course they could think.  Gosh how these G.I. wolves can sling the line and then wonder how far such a line would get a man.  How far would it get me, honey?  Do you think it's only a line?  You better hadn't, you sweet old devil.  I've never meant anything I ever said any more than I mean all I say about you.  You're the sweetest, bravest, most beautiful, loving and thoughtful wife I've ever heard about or seen.  Gee, how I love you honey.
Here's a little more telling tales out of school that I'm requesting you to keep confidential.  I never before this army experience realized how a person's character is reflected in letters.  I can sure see it now.  Even if I am a bit prejudiced in your favor there is still too much difference between your letters and ones I get from other girls to let pass without a compliment to you.  I knew them all more or less intimately before.  Vi, Betty, Tib, Mrs. Delaney, Garnett, are most of them.  There isn't one of them that can write a really intelligent letter. Usually rather shallow and frivolous.  I guess they are a bit handicapped by not being able to talk as freely as you do, but, honey, they just don't measure up at all.  I got the best of them all and no mistake.  You're the sweetest thing.
Otis was just here on a visit and as usual, I didn't pass up the opportunity to show my pictures of you.  They all like you, sweetheart. The  only fault I've ever heard anyone find, and, darn it all, most of them seem to find it, is - I bet you can't guess can you?  Maybe I shouldn't tell you until the end of  the letter or, better yet, make you wait until tomorrow to find out that one objection.  Aw, honey, I won't be that mean.  I'll tell you.  They don't like your hair done up.  Say you look much better with it down like in the snaps.  I never told you that before 'cause I like you that way and can't see why they all don't.  To be very honest, I never did like it that way on any other woman.  You may remember I wasn't very enthusiastic when you said you were going to do it.  I don't care what other men say.  They shouldn't like you too well anyhow.  I want you for my own always.  I love you.
Who said I didn't have anything to write about?  I don't know what started me on that track but there it is.  Read it 'n weep.  Now I'm going to do some answering on Oct 1st letter.
"That woman's here again."  Some opening phrase for a letter.  Wish it were only true. She would be more than welcome here anytime no matter how persistent she was.  Think I'll answer the usual little persistent questions, "Where you goin", "What you doin". At least for a while anyhow.  You'd always say, "I want to know."  You'd know 'cause I'd take you with me even if I was only going the usual place.  You're going to have trouble with me, sweetheart.  I can feel it so plain.
This letter tells me about the change in Gus's special rating.  It does sound a lot like it might mean active duty before long, but then, it can be changed back again just as quickly.  If he does leave the states it will surely be another Medina boy in the South West Pacific. We know how they feel about it, but Jean can take it, I know.  It's tough though, to think about.  Actually easier to take than anticipate.  I think we found it that way.  I'm sure you did anyhow.  I can clearly remember an evening four years ago in September.  The 15th I believe.  I was painting the back of the house and you came over all upset because you had just heard the news of the draft law.  I can remember being very reassuring, or at least trying to be, and saying it would never affect me.  Another time I was very wrong.  I know it had a strong effect on me, seeing you so fearful of having me taken away. I wanted to do like the movies and take you in my arms and reassure you, but I didn't.  Didn't know how to do things like that.  You must have slipped up in your teaching, honey.  Think I've grown enough now to make a try at it, honey?  Bet I'd at least lay my paint  brush down. wasn't I dumb though?
There's another secret out of my closet.  You can sure worm into the most remote corners of me, you devil.  I love to have you to tell things like that to.  Wonder why I didn't do it when I had you by me.  That's a lot of words to make the point.  I do believe you were more afraid right then than at any other time.  Am I right?  I do think Jean will be better satisfied if Gus is really where she can't go to see him.  If she can be only half as brave as you have been she'll get along all right.  I'm proud of you, sweetheart.
I know you wanted me to like your picture to go to all the trouble you did to get it.  Your wants should be satisfied don't you think?  I love it.  I can't think of any more expressive way to tell you how much I like it.
I won't say another word about being sorry I couldn't write to you but I'll still be sorry.  I can't imagine me liking to write letters but I do, to you.
I can't explain why the maple sugar melted in the can or the chocolate either.  It must be the nature of the critter or else it was because his was air tight.  I imagine the dampness causes it.  Sugar or salt just bunches up and gets wet very quickly here.  His candy was that white fondant or something like that.  I don't have any idea how to spell it or what the word looks like.  You'll probably know.
While I'm thinking of it, I forgot to put in my weekly request.  I'd like to have anything yo can send me to eat.  You can also remember to keep me supplied with generators and mantles for the lantern the Berrys are sending.  I could use another box of toothpicks too.  I really don't know of anything else to ask for.  I'll let it up to your discretion.  You do swell.  Smart girl.
The cookies really were very good.  Even licked up all the crumbs that my pet ants didn't beat me to.  The boys are all waiting for more too.
It might be that you are particularly smart about ideas for things to send.  It can't be telepathy 'cause I surely never even dreamed of these things you are sending and come in so handy.  You're plenty smart as well as beautiful and very useful.  I mean useful in lots of ways too.
I don't think your picture looks like a devil. You have a very "come hither" look in your eye and are wanting to be kissed badly, probably a gooey one.  If that's a devil I have been under the wrong impression about the devil.
You'll just have to keep wondering about Neice.  No can talk.  You'll have to keep notes of all these things you want to know, 'cause I know we'll never think of them once we're together again if you don't.
I don't have any suggestions on cataloging your stacks of letters.  The only way I can see is by the different places I am.  Just like writing history in periods.  That must be some stack of writing to look through, trying to find any particular thing.  In those nearly 19 months you must have at least 1400 to 1500 sheets.  That would be quite a dictionary.  If I had kept all yours it would be much bigger.  We surely should know
how to write.
Honey, you're getting to be a softie.  Only three drinks and you have a hangover the next day.  I think you lost track of the drinks or else it was something similar to this jungle juice.  I remember when you used to say, "Gosh, that's good" and down it went.  "Fill 'em up again."  We had a nice walk out in the cold one morning didn't we?  I don't want to get pissed either.  I like to get just feeling good and don't give a damn, like at Put-in-Bay.  When I get pissed I want to sleep and that's no fun when there are lots of better things to do.  Just pleasantly rosy is right with me.  Then I can celebrate and enjoy it.
Well, honey, it's time to quit and I didn't even answer one letter.  Ramble all around don't I?  No matter where I ramble I'm always loving you and wanting you right by me.  Then I'm happy and contented.  I'll get fat and sassy again too.  Night, darling.  I love you.
Your hubby.
Norm.