[abt August 27, 1945]

Dear Lily,

 

            Received your letter Saturday [the] 27th of August.  It was sent the 23rd.  We are alongside the dock here in Guantanamo, and played softball this afternoon from 10 - 7, but had a lot of fun, sun, and exercise.  I get around pretty good, my leg bothers me now and then - the doc said I have a little arthritis. 

 

            The men had the cook bake me a big cake and they had me serve all the [men] a piece with ice cream.  Everyone got a kick out of that, and then two [guys] sang Happy Birthday.  It was a change, and the first birthday cake they put out.  We are going to Panama Thursday and get there Saturday, stay 3 days and back to Guantanamo.  This week we have our mid-term battle problems, probably this Wednesday.  Things are about the same as usual - drills, drills, and more drills and at night a movie, the ____ is really nice, you can get a good night’s sleep, and then you’re ready for the next hard day.

 

            That was certainly nice of Harry to make Paul such a nice offer, however, Paul isn’t cut out for that type of work, but he’d better get cut out for some kind pretty soon.  The quicker he forgets about the G.E. the better.  I’m sorry to hear about J.A. and the ponies.  Honestly I’ve never had so much peace of mind since I haven’t even as much as thought of them.

 

            I’m glad your mother is home and is taking it easy.  When I come home, and Bobbie, you’ll really have a home full.  It’s either all or nothing [illegible].  She was out to her mother-in-law so Jim says and that’s probably why you wouldn’t get her.

 

            I miss Mal and Butch as I do you.  It seems such a long time since I last saw you.  I suppose Mal will be glad to get back to school, and Butch won’t be so all alone, because I’ll be there.  Received all the birthday cards, they were nice - my mother wrote, and she said they both had a wonderful time in Revere.  I have the watch tomorrow, and Jim and I will go to 8:30 mass.  Goodnight for now Lil –

 

            I love you so very much - I guess twenty years will be plenty, unless I get permanent shore duty.  Have you decided where my next tour of shore duty will be?  I wonder if it’s Boston.  I’d bet that I’d have a good bet there.  Kiss the children for me.

 

                                                                                    Love always,

                                                                                                An.