Some Navy Employees Invited Us to Their House. I Made Lunch and Dinner.

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

          U.S.S. Ocelot, F.P.O. San Francisco
                 September 28, 1944, 10:10 PM

Dearest Eleanor,

          Well here I am again.  Just got back from liberty and now for our little visit.  Several navy civilian employees invited us over to their house for some drinks and dinner.  Nothing had been started in the way of food when we got there so I volunteered to make spaghetti.  The shelves were loaded with mushrooms, tomato paste, tomato sauce and the condiments I usually use. I went to town.  There were seven of us men and we sure cleaned up.  I also fixed a bit of lunch, one of my crazy omelet combinations.  The place was up in the hills so we left at 8:30 PM to get back at 10:00 PM and we just about made it.

          Got a letter from you this morning and am pleased to hear that you are getting settled.  What happened to Wally that he is on crutches?  A thirty days leave is usual when one returns from overseas.

          Glad to hear that you were too tired to write a long letter.  I love to read your letters, but being so tired shows that you are keeping busy and I bet you'll sleep better.

          Just got a short note from Dr. White.  He says he has had difficulty getting together with you on an appointment.  Try to get your teeth completed and out of the way.

          Good night dear and I'll be with you again in the morning.

          Friday 29 September 1944, 8:30 AM

          Good morning dear, isn't it wonderful what a good night's sleep will do?  This climate would be ideal for the kids.  You'd never have to worry about whether they were warm enough or dry.  If they did get wet, they'd dry in no time.  Living in a place like this does have its advantages.

          Well, I wonder what the morning mail brings.  I've gotten replies to all my notes except those to Earl, Leon, Harry Sieger and Nina Hursey.  Wrote Aranoff and Bergman but it is a little soon to expect a reply.

          Do you remember how much we enjoyed Wednesday night at home?  After the war we'll continue but we'll know better about whom to ask.

          Bye Sweetheart must go to work now.  How's about a nice big kiss before I go?

I love you,

Gil

Letter to Linda--Bought You A Cute Pinafore

Thursday, 28 September 1944

Dear Linda,

          How is my big girl today?  How are you getting along in school?  Are you glad to be back on Euclid Street and be able to play with Dorene and Mary Lou?

          I just bought cute pinafores for you and Norma and will send it off as soon as possible.  I know you'll like yours and I bet you and Norma will look real pretty in them.

          Mother tells me that you've been a good girl and I'm very glad to hear that.  Keep up the good work and Daddy will have several nice surprises for you.

          Bye sweetie-pie, be sure to write me real soon.

Love

Daddy

 

 

Yahtzeit Candles for Parents Who Have Passed On, Jews Killed by Nazis, and Comrades Who Gave Their Lives

Lt (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

             USS Ocelot, F.P.O. San Francisco
        Wednesday 27 September 1944, 10:00 PM

Good evening Dearest,

          Just got back from the movie.  The picture was "The Whistler" with Richard Dix.  I think we saw it together in Diego.  Anyway, it was something to pass the time away.

          This has been a rather uneventful day.  Worked this morning and after lunch got permission to attend the Yizkor Service.  The service was simple and the sermon to the point.  There were three Yahtzeit candles burning in the pulpit.  One memorializing the parents of those present who had passed on, the second in memory of the Jews who had been killed by the Nazis in Europe and the third in memory of our shipmate and comrades who gave their lives in this war.  Wish you could have heard the sermon.  The essence of it is that no one lives a complete life.  All die leaving work to be done and it is up to the living to continue and finish the job that those that have gone one started.

          When I returned I found another letter from you. The news and tone of the missive made me feel much better.  Now that Norma is well and you have someone to help you I hope that you'll take it easy and not wear yourself out or worry about me.

          Now for the quiz program.  I don't know about the candy situation because I've never gone out to buy any.  However I still have some of the taffies left so you can forget that.  As far as Xmas gifts forget that also.  If I want to pass any out I'll be able to handle it OK. And "do you really like my picture?"  Silly girl.  I'm nuts about it though I must say that a smile will go a long, long way.  A snap showing that you can still smile will make me very happy.  That is all for now dear, I'll finish in the morning.  Good night dearest.

Thursday 28 September 1944,  7:55 AM

          Good morning Sweet, how about a nice hug and kiss. Mm, thank you.  Gee, we sure slept well last night, didn't we.  The kids didn't make a sound all night, guess they're all well now. Swell!!

          Well dear, the isn't much more to tell since last night.  I read a magazine for about half an hour after I got into my sack and then turned the light out.  This morning seems fresh and cool.  Had my usual juice and coffee for breakfast and soon my first patient will be here.  Do you remember how, at times, you'd get up and join me when I had my coffee-cake and milk before I dashed off to work?  Those were the days.  After this war you and I will do everything together, even down to eating breakfast.

          And so, my love, my darling, I must close again.  I'll be with you again this evening.  Until then

With all my love

Gil

P.S. When shall I begin addressing mail to 714 Euclid?