When my grandparents retired in the late 1970s, they moved to Florida. I remember my grandmother enjoyed her walks on the beach to collect seashells. In the decade plus that she lived in Florida, my grandmother gathered a lot of seashells. I recall many presents received which revolved around shells. There were boxes that were covered with tiny shells and necklaces that she beaded for me. I am pretty sure that I don’t have any of those small boxes or necklaces anymore. During the few times that I visited Florida, I remember the walks we took on the beach at sunset. We strolled and collected shells and watched the sun set. The colors were so brillant between the sand, the sea, and the sun. I wonder if my grandfather finally sent her some shells from the Pacific Ocean. Perhaps this is where her love of shells began, from the exotic shells my grandfather collected half a world away on a beach in a war zone.

Letter transcription:

Sept. 17, 194[2]

Dear Mother,

Night time again and candle light. Wasn’t much different today only a few little differences. Went swimming this P.M. Now I can say I’ve been swimming in the Atlantic as well as the Pacific in the short space of 3 months. The water seemed warmer & more calm but much more salty or at least it seemed to burn our eyes much more. While there I picked up lots of small shells. Some very small and some large-various colors etc. maybe I’ll send some home one of these days. Lentz was in the bunch that went swimming I was a little [worried?] his heavy beard might drag him under but it didn’t.
You will note from the letters I’ve

[page 2] sent you that I have said nothing of what we are doing. There is a reason for that as you know.
Fri A.M. Up at the usual time breakfast – Two soft boiled eggs, hash & stewed fruit. Not bad only the eggs were hardly 2 min, just a little sloppy and there is no such thing as toast. On the whole however the breakfast was very much appreciated.
Instead of the beginning of the Fall and Winter as it is for you it is the beginning of the summer here. It really seems warmer now than it did when we arrived. Maybe we are just getting used to the climate.
Just in case the mail isn’t coming

[page 3] thru to you. I have sent two money orders to you in the letter written on the 16^th of Sept. If they don’t arrive let me know for I’m still holding the slips.
Our stamp supply is again getting low as we’re limited to 3 each day. You won’t need to send any however since I have a supply to last for some few days.
Got my laundry yesterday-cost me 28 francs if you know how much that is. I think about 70¢. 3 shirts & one pair of pants. I think they hold us up here also.

Love
Daddy