Tag Archives: Thelma (Mayrose) Foster

A real summer (Gladys)

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Letter transcription:

Kentland Ind
May 27 – 1943

Dear Daddy –

Today has been a real summer, rainless day, (so far). The boys are out in the garden pulling weeds. It is still too wet to hoe or do any more planting but just right for pulling. We are having onions & radishes and will soon have lettuce. Everything is doing well. Potatoes are up about a foot high – some aren’t so good but most of them are. There are so many wild parsnips in our garden they keep coming up as if by magic. The ground is about right for me to get my flower beds finished and I want to work on them this evening. John has to go to

[page 2] band practice this evening so that will let him out but he volunteered to help Mark weed the garden. John has had the most to do so far because he has had a continual job mowing the lawn and the rain has kept Mark from working in the garden.

Mother has David out in the buggy on the terrace. He has had a lot of sunning today – Had a nap this morning in the sun. He is about to get another tooth thru and is a little touchy today – or maybe he is just spoiled. I think he missed us when we went to Laf. yesterday. He is so used to having someone pay attention to him. He is satisfied to stay in his pen or bed, or play chair but likes company.

Three letters came this morning. The latest being dated May 17 – So far the second check (100⁰⁰) hasn’t come but it will no

[page 3] doubt be along in a day or two. There’s a few letters missing but I believe they will come, because all of yours up to May 5 have come. Thanks for the picture. We enjoy getting yours as much as you do ours. Mrs. Zell said she could tell by looking at your picture the baby looks like you. Most everyone says he looks like you and Ruth M. calls him “little Jake.”

One paper came today but I haven’t had time to scan it over for news items that would interest you. The Rotary Club wrote you and that should pretty well cover the local news situation. As usual only one paper came today. The same old story. Seems like they would just change the date of publication. Mrs. Steinbaugh is running the Democrat now. It came today.

[page 4]Mark is a business man now. Since he has his bike he runs errands – Now the traffic situation is a different matter than when you were here. He went to town for Mrs. Zell & Arlene this morning. He started putting down his earnings. He wants to help pay for his Bike. I told him he couldn’t have a new horn but he said he would rather have a bicycle and keep the old horn. If he has his tonsils out next week he won’t need either for a while.

Mother had a letter from Jim and he is now a C.P.O., but has to stay in Williamsburg until Sept, then thinks he will go places. Then Thelma is going to return to T.H.

Mark wants to take a ride so I’ll get this finished so he can mail it.

Love Mother

Yegerlehner home, E. Dunlop Street, Kentland, circa 1943

Yegerlehner home, E. Dunlop Street, Kentland, circa 1943

© 2014 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2014/07/05/a-real-summer-gladys/ ‎

Tomorrow is Easter (Gladys)

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Letter transcription:

Kentland, Ind.
4-24-43

Dear Daddy –

Sat. afternoon and the last opera of the season and John as tuned in so I may get some mixed up in this. Mark is out in the yard. It is so warm today wraps are unnecessary. This is about our warmest day so far. Tomorrow is Easter so maybe we will have warm weather now.

The Onargo people set a tree out for Zell’s so I talked to the “boss” and he promised to bring a new tree for us. He isn’t the same one they used to have. Also he promised to trim the east tree that grew so profusely last summer. The tulips are blooming. Bobby F. picked one this morning and we caught him. He promised not to do that again. One day last week he & Jimmy went to Mrs. Perry’s yard and picked her daffodils. Both got whippings but evidently Bobby’s didn’t take.

[pag3 2] I was going to get so much house cleaning done today but Clara got sick and couldn’t come but the boys have been helping. John had D go take a lesson at 11 – so that ended his helping for a while. It is about as much work keeping Mark doing anything as doing it myself but I have been trying all day to get him to help. If I could utilize some of the energy he burns up doing nothing. It rained yesterday so the ground is too wet to get any spading done. I wanted to plant more potatoes but the ground is till too wet – Maybe by Mon – if it doesn’t rain by then we can do some more garden work. This warm weather following the rains this week should bring our garden up. – – – Have been out in the yard taking down clothes – Lucile came and visited a while with Jimmy Ed. He slept in his buggy – David was in his buggy but had had his map so he entertained us. He loves to be out in the yard – stays contented without any attention. I just brought him him and put him down in his bed and he is blowing bubbles.

[page 3] These pictures were taken a few days before he has 7 mo. old – They aren’t as close as I wanted – will try to get a little closer the next time. I wrote you several times that the tax figured down to $157.00 – but just in case those letters don’t reach you I am repeating. We went over all the deductions we could – equipment etc. – I think we took off on everything.

John started the lawn mowing today. I had the lawn mower oiled and sharpened last fall so it is in good shape now. John said it was so heavy & hard to push, so I gave it turn and told him if it was any lighter I would fly with it – Elaborated some, but it isn’t as bad as he tried to make it.

Jim it taking a course now to become a C.P.O. – He doesn’t know how long he will be in school, but several weeks. He said they were moving but didn’t say where, so must be close to where they are now because he didn’t say anything about Thelma coming back.

[page 4]Mentioning the pictures again – you can see Mark was “acting up” when I tried to take the three of them together and John was squinting. I was trying to get D. to hold up and look at the camera so its not so good of me either.

I haven’t had any letters this week except the four that came yesterday dated Mar 27,28, 29 & 30. Last week I had gotten April’s to the 6th. Maybe I’ll get a bunch Monday. Of course by the time you get this I probably will have had several more.

Tomorrow being Easter Mark wants to color eggs. We brought 6 dz home from C.C. but have used them rather freely so probably won’t feel like we can color many (38¢ dz now). Mark wanted to color enough for the whole neighborhood but we told him that was too much – He would like to have an Easter egg hunt on our lawn. I must get this ready to mail. – It is past 5 P.M. – I have been busy all day and plenty more to do if I want to don’t but I think I’ll leave something til Monday.

Love Mother

[Editor’s note: Based on the notations on the envelope, I am not sure if this letter ever made it to Roscoe.]

Yegerlehner home, E. Dunlop Street, Kentland, circa 1943

Yegerlehner home, E. Dunlop Street, Kentland, circa 1943

©2014 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2014/05/05/tomorrow-is-easter-gladys/

April Fool’s Day (Gladys)

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1943-04-01Letter transcription:

MRS. R.S. YEGERLEHNER
KENTLAND
INDIANA
4-1-43

Dear Daddy – The first day of Apr and Mark has been busy all morning before going to school trying to get everyone fooled – However he didn’t really fool us much. I told him to run out and kill a snake by the garage and he fell for it. It rained last week but the sun is shining bright this morning. After school yesterday we raked the front yard and I sowed some grass seed. Couldn’t get any vigaro to put on – there just isn’t any this year. There is a Victory Garden fertilizer but it is not to be used on lawns – so that is that. I got the seed on just in time for the rain. I am going to Wilmington to get Ruth M. this afternoon or would work in the yard this P.M. – but the boys can do the raking after school. – Mail just came but no letters from you today – Maybe one tomorrow – Had a letter from your Mother and she had yours of Mar 14. Kenneth is in camp in Ark. – is in the band. He will get along where ever he goes. I hear David – just took a nap before his bath time. He sat in the buggy and watched up work in the yeard. He likes to be out of doors – So do I since such a long winter. I hope it stays warm for our trip. I am tiried of wearing heavy clothes. Mother is going to stay in T. H. a short while and then she is coming back here to live. She wants to do some visiting before she comes to stay. Jim wrote that Thelma has the mumps. He is getting more time off now and sees her quite often – but has to cross the bay every time he goes to see her. He is trying to find work for her in Richmond. He is in Camp Perry near Williamsburg now. Ed Barce is still stationed in Kokomo. I left the car at Sondergrath’s for a going over before making our trip.

Love – Mother

E. Dunlop Street, Kentland

Yegerlehner home, E. Dunlop Street, Kentland, circa 1943

© 2014 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found:

Three letters today (Gladys)

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1943-02-10Letter transcription:

MRS R. S. YEGERLEHNER
KENTLAND
INDIANA
2-10-43

Dear Daddy – Three letters today – yours of Jan 30 – Feb 1 & 2. Also Mark’s birthday money. He will write you a reply. You had seen Dan Heinkle – I saw Helen in Laf. last Fri. of course didn’t have your letter then. I will write a registered letter and give you all the info you ask for. It always makes me feel better when I get a letter saying you have had mail of any kind, and especially from here. I am anxious to get your reaction to the pictures I sent by registered letter last week. The weather has turned on us again and from the spring we have had Sun Mon & Tues it is raining & blowing and a forecast for cold again. It was pouring down when the children went to school. Mr. Zell took all 4 to school – their two & our two. Had a valentine from Jim – he is still at Camp B. and I told you before Thelma is there now. Just re-read your letters to help me write things you asked about, but will send reg. air – registered full of details. The boys are going to the father & son banquet tonight. Warren Unger and Powell are taking them. John saved enough and I advanced Feb allowance so he got another bond yesterday at school. Mark isn’t as careful with his money so doesn’t put as much in stamps as John. David slept all night – after his 6 P.M. bottle until time for his 6 o’clock bottle this morning. I hope he makes that regular. He is getting vegetable soup now. The Mead J.[Johnson] Co. sent me a 5 lb. can of D.M.[Dextri-Maltrose], a large box of Pab. [Pablum] and a bottle of Vit C tablets besides the 50 c.c. bottle of Oleum Percomorph. Mother is hanging up some of D’s clothes so I must get lunch started and formula mixed. Telephone just rung but it was a false alarm. There is a little storm in the air and makes the line pop. Same old telephone service – if you know what I mean. Had the coal bin filled again ($34) this time.

Love Mother

©2013 copyright owned and/or written by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found at: https://genealogylady.net/2013/12/22/three-letters-today-gladys/

When it rains it pours (Gladys)

1 Reply

Letter transcription:

Kentland Ind
Jan. 14 – 1943

Dear Daddy –

I didn’t get the line added to yesterday’s letter so will just start another and put both in same envelope. I don’t make a habit of this but we were so late getting home from Laf. last night I didn’t get my letter on the night mail as I sometimes do. The old saying about raining and pouring seems true. John had a stiff neck this morning and had quite a time getting up but finally made it. He is much better but his neck still is a little sore and he moves around very carefully. He and Mark have both been home today and are getting pretty noisy. I think they can both go back to school tomorrow, but I thought another

[page 2] day at home would do Mark more good than going back to school. He is feeling about normal now. It is warmer and I think he can be turned out by tomorrow.

Had a letter from Mother today and she said she would come back up. I am going to call her and tell her to come on the bus to Laf. and since I have to go down tomorrow will meet her there. I think since Thelma has gone to Norfolk to live she feels a little left out in T. H. Not that she saw much of Thelma, but she knew as long as T. was in T.H. Jim would come back when possible and now that she is in Norfolk he won’t try to come so often – Mother thought Jim was coming back for Christmas and she stayed in T.H. for that reason but instead of Jim coming back Thelma went there – and stayed.

I had a letter from Jim, he had written on the back of their camp – “Bee Lines” – official publication of the “Seabees.”

[page 3] I talked to Agnes Molter again today about that tax business and when I get straightened out over this sinus infection will go down to the office and she is going to write you a letter about that 1941 tax payment. She still insists that we let that payment go – but I’ll let her do the explaining and also about 1942. She wrote in about that payment we didn’t make and received a reply – but when I talk to her will get it all straight.

My sinus is still draining and the drainage isn’t very good tasting. I am going back tomorrow and get another treatment. Also I am going to take the Baby down to Dr. Cole and let him check him over. He feels pretty good today – hasn’t any temperature but coughs some. It doesn’t bother him while he sleeps, but I will be glad when he gets rid of it. I think he is as good as John or Mark but I am afraid we are more apt to spoil him. However he still lies in his bed or on the bath table and watches his hands for long periods at a time.

[page 4] Dorothy is here and is getting ready to go to town so will let her mail this for me. She is going with me to Laf tomorrow. She was telling me the Johnson baby kept Ed up the first night they were home from the hospital. Ed was in the restaurant for breakfast and a little sleepy.

This is Thurs & she has to take food home to fix for supper – the proverbial Busman’s holiday.

Must close –
Love
Mother

©2013 copyright owned and written by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found at: https://genealogylady.net/2013/10/27/when-it-rains-it-pours-gladys/

The 7th day of the New Year (Gladys)

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Letter transcription:

Kentland, Ind
Jan 7 – 1943

Dear Daddy –

On the 7th day of the new year and I wonder what I have done with this first week – nothing much it seems. This afternoon is a little on the gloomy side. It has been snowing and it is foggy. Not so cold but not the kind of weather to get out in after a throat infection. I am going to welcome spring with open arms. I believe I am getting tired of winter and Jan & Feb yet to go. I feel pretty good toady. My throat feels better but I am going to be careful about going out for a while – Will see Dr. Ade again tomorrow. Maybe another treatment will clear things up.

John is working on the music I told you about some time ago. He forgot to copy it off and so did I but he is doing it now and will mail it – his version of Star Spangled Banner. I don’t know whether his vacation from exams is going him much good. He had to wash dishes and take care of two washes of clothes for David. He is going with us to Laf. tomorrow so maybe that will make up for his work today. He doesn’t seem to mind. Mark decided he wanted some oysters so he went to town & got a pint. I didn’t know how

[page 2] much they were and when he told me I almost swooned (.55¢). John doesn’t care for them so Mark & I will do the pint justice. I feel like I should make several meals out of them at that price. The last time I priced creamery butter it was about .60¢ lb so I just stick to G.L. I don’t know what meat costs in the stores but know it is very high. Oranges are 45¢ dz and sometimes more. So much for the high cost of eating.

Mark tried to skate yesterday but he didn’t have his shoes laced tight enough and he couldn’t do much. Some of the children made fun of him and he was in a bad mood but I explained to him that he would have to lace his shoes very tight so he thinks maybe he will do better this evening. It is cold enough that the pond is well frozen over. Now that exams are going the children who are exempted are skating – some of them. John wrote you that Angus Washburn, Ina May Walkup & he were the only ones entirely free from exams – Betty Lou & Carol Josserand were here on their way to the pond. Betty L. had to take all but Arith. I must change the subject or you will think I am being a proud mama.

I started adding egg yoke to David’s formula today. 1/8 tsp a day until he gets a whole yolk a day. I see he has his

[page 3] covers kicked off. He has found his hands and spends much of his time looking at them. –

As usual no local paper today (Thurs) so can’t scan over for local news, which probably wouldn’t be much anyway. I worked on the bank statement last night, I mean I checked with my balance and with no taxes or ins. (except mine) paid we have a bal. of around 500⁰⁰ – I bought 6 37⁵⁰ bonds last week – but after I decided to get a coat thought I had better go slow on further investments until after Ins & taxes, car license, etc are all paid. I have a chance to buy a piano for $100⁰⁰. It is a studio, about the size of Ruth M’s. What do you think about getting it? It is about 3 yrs old and is a Wirrletzer. It isn’t a first rate brand but about the same kind as we have, only it is practically new and would be much better for John to practice on. Let me have your opinion if you get this letter.

I think I told you about Amal Taylor giving me a check for $9⁰⁰ and that it “bounced” – I just took it back to the bank and left it in case he deposited any money, so on this month’s statement – I mean Dec. statement it came thru. That is $9⁰⁰ I didn’t have much hope of getting.

[page 4]The uniform money has not come. I think I told you your policy came but it hasn’t yet – there was a slip advising me it would come but as yet it hasn’t. This slip is to take the place of the policy until it is written or sent out. I would think it would be issued by this time. I am enclosing a calendar for Jan. I cut it off a blotter. If you get Geo Tilton’s letter you will get a full year’s calendar – also if you get one of the boxes I sent you will get one (Rexall).

I have given you Jim’s address several times but here it is again – Ship’s company Camp Bradford, Norfolk, Va – James L. Foster S.K.C. Thelma got a release from her job in T. H. and is working for the Army in Norfolk.

David has had a nap and is now awake and John seems to think he needs his mother’s attention, so will have to see if dry pants are needed. The boys have tried to do that for him but are a little awkward and I am afraid they might hurt him. When he gets a little older they will learn to handle him but they seem to think he will break if they try to pick him up.

Love
Mother

©2013 copyright owned and written by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found at: https://genealogylady.net/2013/10/15/the-7th-day-of…ew-year-gladys/

Protected: Heard they are not going to slice bread (Gladys)

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Just a week until Christmas eve (Gladys)

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Letter transcription:

Kentland Ind
Dec 17 – 1942

Dear Daddy –

Just a week until Christmas Eve. Seems like it is getting here rapidly and I still have some things to do. If we don’t go to C.C. (which I doubt our going) I will have to make some preparations for Christmas dinner, etc. Since Ruth & Earl can’t come here & Ruth & Floyd are going home we will probably have no company. I had a letter from Mother today and she said Thelma is going to Norfolk for Christmas. I haven’t heard any more about Jim coming home in Jan. I sent him two gifts last week and one to Thelma. I rec’d two boxes from her today. Jim’s came last week. We have been getting boxes every day and since the mail is so heavy we have to go to the P.O. to get packages. I couldn’t imagine where the two today were from. I didn’t expect any from Thelma since Jim had sent each of us gifts in his box.

The weather I wrote you about

[page 2]  this morning changed somewhat. The blizzard stopped and by noon the sun was shining and all was quiet. This afternoon the snow began to thaw and I went to town in the car and the streets were getting very slushy. There is quite a wind now but I think it isn’t a cold wind.

Arlene called a while ago and said she was coming up for a little visit. I went to town this afternoon and did a little shopping for her. Louise wasn’t there and she couldn’t leave. She said Donnie weighs over 16 lbs now. David weighed 11 – 4 today.

John is taking his turn being sick. There wasn’t any school today due to the blizzard this morning and the boys were home. By noon John said he didn’t feel so good. He was hungry and ate quite a good lunch. After eating I waited a while and took his temperature. It was 100 – I gave him ½ and at 6:30 ½. His temp. went up to 101 but he doesn’t seem to feel so bad. He drank a glass of orange juice for supper. I hope I can elude that little “bug.” I am trying to be careful so maybe I will be able to get by.

[page 3] I took a roll of pictures of the baby to try and get one to put on Christmas greetings. Out of 8 I got one that will do. I found some greetings at the variety store that the picture will fit in so will send a few to our close friends, Maces, Watsons, Mutch’s, Dolores, your Mom & mine and one to Mrs. P. After Christmas I am going to have the photographer make a picture of David and also one of myself for you as you requested.

Fri – John is much better but I didn’t allow him to go to school today. He is getting restless and that is a good sign. He is hungry so that is another good symptom.

The pictures are the ones Mrs. Zell took the morning I wrote about how beautiful & scenic it was. I was out of film that morning so didn’t get any with our camera. To get the full beauty one would have to take pictures with a movie camera.

The papers came today but have been too busy to read. Hume Sammon’s funeral was this afternoon. The Puetz have a baby boy – born Dec 13 – weight 6-9.

[page 4] After all the varied weather yesterday there was a little freeze and it was slick on streets where there isn’t much traffic. I went to town but drove very carefully and slowly. There wasn’t many cars on the streets so didn’t have much traffic to encounter.

I am going to the class party tonite and Dorothy is coming out to stay with the family. It was her suggestion. I wouldn’t ask anyone to do that but she offered her time. I have Clara M. engaged for Mon nite – the band concert – Arlene is having a party Sun nite so will have to get someone to come then – I haven’t been out much and it seems like everything is coming together. After Christmas there won’t be much going on so will stay home. I am going to take Bobby Funk to the concert Mon. nite. Arlene’s bridge club meets and she can’t take him so I told her Mark & I would take him. John of course will play in the band. It is about time for Mark to come home so will get this ready for him to take to the P.O. Helen W. Knollin has been here but is leaving Sun. She & her husband are in Chi. Now but will be back here tonite & tomorrow.

Love Mother

©2013 copyright owned and written by Deborah Sweeney

Post originally found at: https://genealogylady.net/2013/09/01/just-a-week-un…mas-eve-gladys/

Mark is upstairs in bed (Gladys)

1 Reply

Letter transcription:

Kentland Ind
Dec 11 – 1942

Dear Daddy –

Mark is upstairs in bed – He said he didn’t feel good when he came home – so I took his temperature and it was 100 – I gave him ½ a sulfadiazine tablet and will give him another before I go to bed. When Dr. Cole examined him while I was in the hospital he said he wouldn’t take his tonsils out but gave him sulfadiazine – so I had Jack Byrne look up the prescription and get the dosage. Mark said he ached so thought I would try to nip the “flu” in the bud. He said he felt like he was taking the flu. He went to town thru the snow without his overshoes and I think he got his feet damp. When he came back and I discovered he didn’t have his overshoes on I made him change his shoes but evidently his feet were cold the “bug” had started to work. They come in thru the garage and leave their rubbers there and I had no idea he had gone out without them. He said, “the sidewalks are cleaned off,” but we can’t get away from the house without getting in the snow because it snowed again today. You

[page 2] mentioned the weather taking a beating. It certainly has from here but this snow is something to write about. Just before noon there was a flurry started and lasted until after the children came home. Great flakes coming down in swirls.

We were going to decorate the tree this evening but since Mark has to stay in bed and I am too tired to bother with it – it will have to wait another day.

I rec’d a card from the Revlon Prod. Corp that you are sending me a Manicure Case. Your Christmas cards are all very nice – (the three rec’d).

I finally sent out your sardine, crackers, mosquito cream, chewing gum – and in case you miss yesterday’s letter – the box of chewing gum was put in by Jack Byrne. He said to tell you that was their weeks allowance since chewing gum is hard to get. I also sent Jim his gifts and a box to Thelma.

I saw in the paper that Wayne Walker is home for a 30 day furlough. He has been in Australia since soon after he enlisted. That give me hopes – Maybe it shouldn’t – that you will possibly get to come home for such a furlough sometime.

[page 3] David is asleep – as usual this time of day. After his 6 P.M. bottle he looks around a while and usually by 7 he is sound asleep. He weighed 10-13 this morning. Two weeks ago today we went to see Dr. C. and he weighed 9-13 so he has kept up his ½ per week average. He should – he takes 5 oz every 4 hrs and it takes 12 oz Carnation for the 24 hrs.  When we came home 9 weeks ago he was getting 7 oz carnation in 24 hrs and now it is almost double that.

The skaters have come into their own this winter. Betty Lou & Donna Dennis went together to skate this evening. Betty said they have a flood light for the night skaters and build a fire too. Nick got Buddy skates last year but he has never learned to skate – said he didn’t like the falls.

You should be getting a letter from Uncle Wes. I can’t understand why you never have heard from him. He was here the day your Mother & Kenneth left – the day your Noumea address came – and he took it down. He said he was going to send you a bunch of maps. In fact I had a note from him and he had sent them. His address is 2028 W. 110th St.

I mentioned this before but will again – I think you should write the Sisters at St. E. and thank them for my care at the hospital. I am going to send a Christmas greeting, and add a thank you.

[page 4] I take it for granted that you got my letter telling you I didn’t have a bill to pay when I left the hospital.

John went to town this evening and bought David’s gift – a plate cereal bowl and cup. Mark got him a Panda. Jim sent him a wooden toy and Ruth M. sent something for him in her box but I think it is some piece of clothing.

I looked thru the paper for some news item to include but don’t see much. Thad Pence is having a public sale – going to retire. C.D. Gilmore & James Oppy are victims of falls, suffering from cracked ribs. Joe Fletcher is moving the auto license branch office in with Prairie Realty Co. John Simons is in St. E. for observation. You will get all this when the Enterprize gets to you.

It has been so wintry this week I haven’t been out much and I have been trying to ward off a sore throat. It comes and goes. I got some powerful gargle at the drug store last night and it is much better.

I am about to run down so will sign off. Maybe there will be some letters tomorrow since there were none today.

Love Mother

Sat P.M. – Mark is better – In fact he is hard to keep in bed and I think by this evening I will allow him to come down and watch John decorate the tree, but will keep him away from David. A greeting came for you so will send it on to you (From St. E.)

[page 5] I am sending you this “Nation’s Business” notice – I hardly think you want it renewed but here it is.

©2013 copyright owned and written by Deborah Sweeney

Post originally found at: https://genealogylady.net/2013/08/21/mark-is-upstai/

A tree eleven feet high (Gladys)

1 Reply

Letter transcription:

Kentland Ind
Dec 10 – 1942

Dear Daddy –

Received two letters today dated Nov 30 & Dec 1 – Always makes me feel better when you have rec’d mail. Maybe by now you have the last bunch of pictures I sent. I thought they were better of David and too he could pose a little better. I put another one in yesterday’s letter and tho it isn’t very clear you and compare and see his is growing. We took several but that was the only one on that roll that turned out. There was one a double exposure but you wouldn’t be able to tell much about it. I have those sardines & crackers & cream (mosquito) to send but haven’t packed them yet – will try to do that this afternoon. I haven’t been in a hurry about it because the Christmas mail is so heavy I don’t believe it will travel very fast.

We had some more weather this morning. At least it is warmer. There was another light snow and now it looks like a thaw is starting. If it doesn’t freeze now. It would be awfully slick if we would have a freeze before this snow leaves. This has been unusual weather for the early part of December.

I haven’t been in town since Monday so don’t know if there are any Christmas decorations. I doubt if there will be much done this year.

[page 2] I told Mark we would get a tree this afternoon after school. He is so anxious to get one and since it is just two weeks till Christmas eve it isn’t too early.

You mentioned the tax business again. You surely didn’t get the letter in which I explained about it. Agnes advises not to pay it but if you insist I will go ahead and take care of it.

It is getting lighter outside – I think the sun is about to shine thru – Maybe it will come out strong enough to melt the snow. After several cloudy days – the sunshine is very good to see. I thought I would get the car out but may walk. I haven’t been out due to a scratchy throat but I feel O.K. today and think I need some air.

The packages Ruth M. sent came today and Mark is to bring them home as he comes from school. He is getting the usual thrill from anticipating Christmas. He has set 10 P.M. Christmas eve as the time to open gifts. I am glad he is so cheerful about it. I am afraid things would be a little flat around here at times if it weren’t for Mark. Not that we droop around – I don’t believe in carrying my feelings on my sleeve, but he is always so gay it does help a lot. I was amused at the way he wrote you about his report card – if you got the letter – he said he was afraid you weren’t going to like it very well because he had lower grades than the first 6 weeks.

It is about time for J & M to come home from school and D. is waking from a nap so will probably need dry pants.

[page 3] 9:30 P.M. went to the drug store and did some Christmas shopping. I got Jim a box of writing paper and a box of soap. The soap has a military design on it. I also got a box of cologne & talc to send Thelma. I told Jack Byrnes I was sending you a box and he said, “Will you do me a favor?” and walked over to a box he was unpacking and took out a box of chewing gum – he said their week’s allowance. You know chewing gum is scarce here too. Maybe this will be enough to last you a while. The little container of dental floss is one I found in your old brown suit the last time I went over your suits. Sorry to say the moths had nested in two pr of pants but they aren’t beyond repair – and there are extra pants of the ones they worked on. I have your closet well fortified now so think I have the little beggers taken care of. I went thru your things earlier in the fall and all was well, but I didn’t re-spray them or put in any moth crystals and we had so much warm weather so long that I think of lots of things took second growth, hence the visit to your closet by the pests.

You will probably get tired of reading about the baby’s orange juice – but as I mentioned before I tried orange, then

[page 4] tomato and he would toss it every time. You recall I wrote I talked to Dr. M. about the juice question. He said put him on prune juice – I did – but he didn’t like it either and since I have his bowels regulated with the dextri-maltose I don’t favor prune juice – also not much Vit C – so I am staring him on Vit C tablets. He gets A & D from the Oleum Percom.

Mark brought home a tree eleven feet high (or tall) and I didn’t favor paying 2⁰⁰ for a tree then cutting it off – so sent it back and now we have one that is just the right size. We put the lights on but no decorations yet. We aren’t supposed to use lights this year so we won’t decorate the front door like we did last year.

About the money situation – as I have repeated several times and as you can tell by the bank bal I am not spending anything – only living expenses – so the bank acc’t is really getting the lion’s share. I feel like we should live as carefully as possible so when you come back we will have a substantial reserve fund. I really haven’t any desire to buy anything while you are away – and too we are urged every day on the radio not to do any un-necessary buying – to put everything possible in bonds. I feel the same as you do about not wanting to start out again with our “noses to the grindstone” – so much for that. It is time for David to get awake for his 10 P.M. feeding.

Love – Mother

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Post originally found at: https://genealogylady.net/2013/08/19/a-tree-eleven-feet-high-gladys/