New Guinea
Friday
July 28, 1944
Hello Beautiful;
I've been looking at your picture again and I can't help but think, there is as perfect and beautiful a wife as any man could have. I'm very much in love with you too. I went to the show but it was one I had seen. "Thousands Cheer". I came back and will use the time loving and talking to you in this unsatisfactory but better than nothing way. I'm glad I got'cha to write these letters to but I'm sure going to be glad to throw pen and paper away for good and do my talking verbally, and my loving, physically. Don't think I'll ever want to write another letter. I know I won't be needing to write any to you. You will never get that far away from me again. Better like me, honey. You've got me and I'll follow you all over all the time. You're stuck. I was carpentering all day today, using some of the lumber from our mill. One thing sure. I won't loose that knack or get out of practice. Lots of other things I can't say as much for. You'll be a teacher again one of these days but only have one pupil. He'll be an ornery one. It may be necessary to fail him two or three times before he learns it. Twenty minute breaks between classes too for practical application.
Jack Benny is coming to the base camp tomorrow night and we will be furnished transportation to go see the show. Think I'll go if possible. If I do you won't get any letter for Saturday. I'll make up for it on Sunday. Funny. Come way over here to see Jack Benny in person. I see what they mean by "it's a small world after all."
Now I;m going to try to finish answering your letters. I didn't get any today. I'm very glad to hear that Margaret is improving so fast. I missed a letter that probably told if it was necessary to operate or not, so I don't really know what happened. No matter. The important thing is she is getting along so well. Maybe that was why when I was home she had Art on stud pasture.
Honey, just one little thing you may not think of. If it continues to stay so dry, it would be a good idea to occasionally water the shrubs in front of the house. I expect you are way ahead of me on this.
So Harold is on the way to bring pop for the second time. Must be some life in the old boy yet. Yes, I remember the story she told you. Might be our story one of these days. I hope the results will be as gratifying as their first one.
I don't doubt that Steve would like to live at the lake again. He really likes it there. Medina is more home to him than anyone suspects. It was evident in his talk when I saw him in Calif. Steve isn't his own boss, now, however. I would very much doubt that Mrs.Steve would like it there. That is probably why he wouldn't say anything about the house. He doesn't know yet. Harold may yet end up with the whole business. Store and all.
You are not a dud and I will not let you call yourself one. You don't happen to like to swim. Well so what? I can't dance or sing. At least you do go swimming once in a while. I never go to a dance. No, honey, you made the most changes in things we do. Learned to skate, shoot a gun, ride a bicycle?? [ I still say it was your fault we went in the ditch that time at Put-in-Bay. I was trying to kiss you.] go hunting, go for walks, play tennis, go fishing, and lots of other things now. What have I ever learned to do that I didn't do before? I'm the dud, not you. You adapted yourself to me and never complained a bit. You're swell. I can prove it in so many ways.
I was very disappointed about the fishing. The rivers have been blasted so much there isn't a fish in them and to fish the ocean a boat is necessary. Guess the fishing will have to wait.
I haven't started to count days, months, or anything else yet. Can't see how it can last too much longer and yet there really is no end in sight. The thing that is bothering me most is that little phrase "duration plus six months". Being over here when it ends will probably mean at least the six months and possibly more. Especially if we don't see combat. You once said you expected this to end fast now that we are over here. Well I still say the same as I did at home. We may look good on paper but I'm afraid we'll turn out to be a "police up" outfit. I sure hope not. I want to get home to Mummy as soon as it's over. I'm following my usual custom of telling you my guesses. They've mostly been wrong to date.
Well honey, that catches me up on your letters. Came out about right for the paper this time. Guess I'll get my bed ready and dream about you and our plans for a while. I have a lot of fun doing that. It's my loving for the night. Bye, honey. I love you so much.
Your hubby.
Norm.
Thursday, December 29, 2011
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
Letter # 433 July 26, 1944
New Guinea
Thursday
July 27, 1944
Hello Beautiful and sweet;
I just got your V-mail that you wrote the morning you were ready to leave for New York July 13. That brings the service to 14 days. Apparently you are getting the same or slightly quicker service. You got the 2nd on the 13th. I'm glad they are coming through. So far I've written some sort of letter every day since I've been here. You keep me posted on that too.
It's too late to wish you a very nice trip so I hope you had a hell of a good time. I told Mac you were going to N.Y. and you know anyone from there thinks it's the only place in the world. They are much more prejudiced about their city than fellows from any other part of the country. He said, "Well if she doesn't have a good time there, she'll never have a good time anyplace." I didn't argue with him, but I know darn well we could have a good time any where. Tell me all about it and if it really is so wonderful.
What's the idea of only four days? Why didn't you make it at least a week? You won't any more than get there and have to turn around and come back. Hope you aren't limiting yourself because of money. That would be foolish. I'll tell you again to use what you want. You've earned it and I want you to have a good time. I love you so much.
I haven't much to report tonight so I'm going to answer some of these letters that have piled up on me. Being limited to three sheets on one side is cramping my style to get all I want to say, said. When I get the air mail paper you are sending I can go to town. Send me lots of it. I'll try to use it all writing letters to you. Don't forget the eats and tobacco. There is another request. I don't intend to send too many. I'm afraid you will get too enthusiastic if I send too many. The box you sent sounds good. Can't imagine what the packing around the camera, that you want me to specially note, could be. I'll watch for it. I'm afraid no native women will get hold of it unless they have a lot more to offer than any I have yet seen. Did you mean I should take it out in trade? If you did, thanks for the permission. I'm still several years too particular for that, but of course I might find a native of the U.S. or someplace. I'll keep it in mind.
I'll see what I can do about a couple colored pictures of me. I don't know if the developing is any different than regular or not. If it is I may not be able to get it done here. You see, all pictures must be developed and censored before they can be sent home. Might have to keep them and bring them with me when I come. I do hope the camera gets here in good time.
That proposition of writing to Eastman for film for overseas sounds good only I don't know how I'd pay them. I only have English money and I don't know how much they would be. Maybe if I'd send a request and have them mailed C.O.D. to you they'd do it. Think I'll try that anyhow. I know you did your best to get even that much film and I appreciate it plenty. I'll be able to do something for you someday.
Gosh honey, it sounds like you are sharing my letters with the girls. I'll have to be careful what I say or they'll find out about my weakness. I don't give a damn. I love you and I'm more than proud of it. You're something to be proud of and I'm not kidding. Bet other people can't believe it's really me that writes these letters, can they?
So, Bob Kindig is now a "looey". Good for him.
Honey, I think I could very easily write a naughty, naughty letter now if it wasn't for not being at all private. Nope, guess I hadn't better do it. Read one of the old ones over again and add some to it. It'll be close. I can tell from your actions and also from your letters that you are as much the same mind as I.
I'm not really worrying about you, sweetheart. I know you are being well taken care of. Don't think you need very much care anymore. You're becoming a very self-reliant girl. Still, I can't help but worry a little bit. After all, you are the most precious thing I have. I'll do most of my extra worrying about myself, as you suggest. If there is any possible way to do it you can just bet I'll be looking out for me. I'll see to it I'll come back to you in good shape. I'll be lonesome and need a lot of loving and everything like that there. That will all be very easy for you to take care of. You got the know how.
We did start in almost from scratch to build our camp as you have probably gathered. Lots of work yet to do. Expect we'll get it about done and move out. I'm sure I answered in the negative about a bigger knife. I don't need it at all. We can make them ourselves anyhow. Lots of suitable material at hand.
It wasn't a "tall tale" about the kangaroos. There is a small species of them here. I still haven't seen one but others have. Pretty well scared out now. The bananas are out of season a little. Most of them are only forming and are the size of a man's finger. However, some of decent size have been brought in and they are plenty good. Will be lots of them soon.
Out of space again so - Bye, Bye Babe. I'm fairly bursting with love for you. I do love you so much.
Your dough boy.
Norm.
Thursday
July 27, 1944
Hello Beautiful and sweet;
I just got your V-mail that you wrote the morning you were ready to leave for New York July 13. That brings the service to 14 days. Apparently you are getting the same or slightly quicker service. You got the 2nd on the 13th. I'm glad they are coming through. So far I've written some sort of letter every day since I've been here. You keep me posted on that too.
It's too late to wish you a very nice trip so I hope you had a hell of a good time. I told Mac you were going to N.Y. and you know anyone from there thinks it's the only place in the world. They are much more prejudiced about their city than fellows from any other part of the country. He said, "Well if she doesn't have a good time there, she'll never have a good time anyplace." I didn't argue with him, but I know darn well we could have a good time any where. Tell me all about it and if it really is so wonderful.
What's the idea of only four days? Why didn't you make it at least a week? You won't any more than get there and have to turn around and come back. Hope you aren't limiting yourself because of money. That would be foolish. I'll tell you again to use what you want. You've earned it and I want you to have a good time. I love you so much.
I haven't much to report tonight so I'm going to answer some of these letters that have piled up on me. Being limited to three sheets on one side is cramping my style to get all I want to say, said. When I get the air mail paper you are sending I can go to town. Send me lots of it. I'll try to use it all writing letters to you. Don't forget the eats and tobacco. There is another request. I don't intend to send too many. I'm afraid you will get too enthusiastic if I send too many. The box you sent sounds good. Can't imagine what the packing around the camera, that you want me to specially note, could be. I'll watch for it. I'm afraid no native women will get hold of it unless they have a lot more to offer than any I have yet seen. Did you mean I should take it out in trade? If you did, thanks for the permission. I'm still several years too particular for that, but of course I might find a native of the U.S. or someplace. I'll keep it in mind.
I'll see what I can do about a couple colored pictures of me. I don't know if the developing is any different than regular or not. If it is I may not be able to get it done here. You see, all pictures must be developed and censored before they can be sent home. Might have to keep them and bring them with me when I come. I do hope the camera gets here in good time.
That proposition of writing to Eastman for film for overseas sounds good only I don't know how I'd pay them. I only have English money and I don't know how much they would be. Maybe if I'd send a request and have them mailed C.O.D. to you they'd do it. Think I'll try that anyhow. I know you did your best to get even that much film and I appreciate it plenty. I'll be able to do something for you someday.
Gosh honey, it sounds like you are sharing my letters with the girls. I'll have to be careful what I say or they'll find out about my weakness. I don't give a damn. I love you and I'm more than proud of it. You're something to be proud of and I'm not kidding. Bet other people can't believe it's really me that writes these letters, can they?
So, Bob Kindig is now a "looey". Good for him.
Honey, I think I could very easily write a naughty, naughty letter now if it wasn't for not being at all private. Nope, guess I hadn't better do it. Read one of the old ones over again and add some to it. It'll be close. I can tell from your actions and also from your letters that you are as much the same mind as I.
I'm not really worrying about you, sweetheart. I know you are being well taken care of. Don't think you need very much care anymore. You're becoming a very self-reliant girl. Still, I can't help but worry a little bit. After all, you are the most precious thing I have. I'll do most of my extra worrying about myself, as you suggest. If there is any possible way to do it you can just bet I'll be looking out for me. I'll see to it I'll come back to you in good shape. I'll be lonesome and need a lot of loving and everything like that there. That will all be very easy for you to take care of. You got the know how.
We did start in almost from scratch to build our camp as you have probably gathered. Lots of work yet to do. Expect we'll get it about done and move out. I'm sure I answered in the negative about a bigger knife. I don't need it at all. We can make them ourselves anyhow. Lots of suitable material at hand.
It wasn't a "tall tale" about the kangaroos. There is a small species of them here. I still haven't seen one but others have. Pretty well scared out now. The bananas are out of season a little. Most of them are only forming and are the size of a man's finger. However, some of decent size have been brought in and they are plenty good. Will be lots of them soon.
Out of space again so - Bye, Bye Babe. I'm fairly bursting with love for you. I do love you so much.
Your dough boy.
Norm.
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