Oahu, Hawaii

August 8, 1944

Dear Mother,

I’m enclosing (see P.S.) forty dollars for you to deposit for me in the usual manner. It’s more than I’ll ever spend around here and it might come in pretty good at a later date. My new bond allotment doesn’t go into effect until September so I drew more this month.

I spent the day in Honolulu yesterday and had a good time as usual. Most of the time was spent just strolling around rubbernecking at this and that. The most interesting place I saw was the famous Waikiki Beach and it was really pretty. I guess I should have taken a swim but didn’t. I had a big dinner “sitting down” at a table, not hurrying, and eating just what I liked and all I wanted, something that we enjoy doing on pass more than anything else! The U.S.O Clubs are many and extra nice here and we enjoy lounging around in them when we get tired of walking around.

I purchased a few souvenir cards that I’m sending to you and will eventually reach you, I hope! They will give you some idea of the life on the islands, though somewhat exaggerated.

I was on duty all the morning and am not doing anything now in particular, so am catching up with my writing.

We had one of the best U.S.O. stage and chorus shows last night that I’ve seen since I’ve been in the army. The girls were very pretty, as well as the acting being good. They must have been an experienced crew from the states!

It is pretty hot today and dusty, but the breeze is wonderful as usual.

I never did get a chance to see Edwin yesterday and couldn’t reach him by phone either. I thought he would have been up here but never has. I saw a boy there yesterday that I would have sworn was Lawrence, but was mistaken.

That covers everything for the present, so until -

Love-

Russell

P.S.- I just learned that I could send the money through the army personnel office, so it will reach you via check through them soon. Let me know when it gets there.