May 17/45

Hello Dot

Glad to hear you are well and kicking.

So Mary was up to see you. Well I sort of told you to keep the nose clean. Ha ha. See I kind no them both. But things were kind of up and down there. They both are kind of strong headed. But old Vin isn’t so easy to get along with. But the family has too much of a hold on him. He don’t always use good judgment. Takes his meanness out on the wrong people sometimes. So as I say there are always two sides to every story. He may have woke up to late this time. But he has lots of reasons for his funny ways. So I don’t blame him too much.

Were talking about getting out of things. I always get more out than I put in. ha ha ha. Oh you mean the army. Ha. Well I don’t no whether I do or don’t. If I don’t get out soon I may stay in and be a 30 year man. Ha. He’ll take it easy and let the old woman raise the kids. Ha. I may even get another stripe soon now. That will make me Sergeant. Ha. I told them I didn’t want any more stripes. I just want to get the hell out of here. Ha ha. Will no more about that later on. We just heard they are going to let some of us out. But they didn’t say when yet. But my hitch will be up in Nov. so I can get out then so they tell me. They want me to put in the three years. It may come in handy later on if we get a bonus. So I don’t mind a few more months.

I am getting to be on old army man now. The longer you’re in the less you give a dam. Ha ha. But I always did want a winter uniform. This light one is no dam good. Had it two days and its dirty as hell. Can’t keep a press in these no way. So I think I will stick it out till we change back to wool. Ha. They only give you what you wear when you go out. Would like to get one of these overcoats and have it cut down. That’s the best part of the dam uniform.

So Sis is coming to the end of the grind. Tell her to take it easy now. No socking back when he slaps her. Ha ha. Glad the kids are all fine. Mary better take it easy. Marie was over there and she got a stick in her hart. Marie said it was from to much work. May ain’t to dam strong any more.

Well why worry about Ray. If he don’t write to hell with and her both. They both are nuts if you ask me. She is giving him a marry chase I bet. You may have him and the kid both back. So just don’t let it bother you. She’s to much of a flint to sit at home.

Glad to hear Sis is doing o.k. give her my best hope he gets home for good soon. Glad to hear Ma is on the pins again. Hope she stays there this time. Give her my best.

Say hello to the girls also my buddy. Him and I will have to go fishing when I get home for good. Boat and motor and everything.

Say hello to the old man hope he don’t bust. We should be back for good soon now. Then he can let up a wee bit. Ha. Well Dot write.

Jim, miss you all.