Old Maid

Monday 28 August 1944, 8:20 AM

Dearest Wife,
     Good morning. You're still asking questions and I'll try and answer them. Those people I met in town are an old maid of at least 45 and her mother. They've lived in

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for over 20 years. I didn't look at their bank account so I can't tell you if they're well off or not. They were very hospitable to us considering that three of the four of us were total strangers. We left at six even though we were asked to stay for supper. Ate in town and returned to the ship. There is no evening. We are usually on the way back to the base not later than 8:30. I've been asking about "The Anchor." No one knows what it is although I can make a pretty good guess.
     Tomorrow I go on liberty and intend to do some shopping. I know you write long letters dear, but there is nothing to write about and what there is to tell can't be told because of censorship. I haven't been off this ship since Thursday so--I get up, shower, shave, eat breakfast and then to work. At noon, dinner, then maybe a game or two of checkers and more work. Then supper and a social hour in the ward room. Movies at 7:45 PM. Last night we saw a stinker. First an Edgar Kennedy short and then some picture based on "Are These Our Children" which was lousy. Then back to the ward room for awhile and so to bed. Interesting isn't it?
     I've only missed writing one day since we left Diego so if you haven't received all my letters you will. I'll try to look up some of those people. When I talked to the chaplain yesterday he suggested my coming over to his office. He said he could help me find whomever I was looking for.
     I dropped Leon a note last week, also my sister. We'll see if Leon answers. If not then he is a rat.
     So long darling, I must go to work now. Till later

Your loving husband
Gil

Checkers

Jewish Chaplain

Sunday 27 August 1944, 10:45 AM

Good Morning Sweetheart,
     Boy, wouldn't I love to be home this morning with you in bed alongside and Linda and Norma climbing all over us. Guess we'll have to put it off for awhile.
     Got my liberties all fouled up. Thought I was off today but instead I was off yesterday. So I don't go ashore again until Tuesday. Saw "Sensations of 1945" again last night and enjoyed it. There is so much good music in it. You remember I saw it at the Repair Base when I was there.
     It's always warm here but there is a cool breeze coming down from the hills that makes it quite comfortable. You can lean over the rail and watch the rain come in off of the hills and in the past few days it has rained frequently. However, no one pays any attention to it because it rains but a few minutes and you are completely dry in another few moments. In the past few days I've seen several rainbows and thought back to those happy days at Niagara Falls.
     This morning we had three chaplains come aboard. Two conducted services and the third, a Jewish chaplain just visited around. He comes from the same town as the executive officer who has known him for years. He also knows Rabbi Lifschitz.
     Dear, I am enclosing some papers which I want you to file away for future reference. Nothing else to say since my last note except I love you and miss all my three girls.

Love,

Gil