Coconut Paperweight

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

U.S.S. Ocelot, F.P.O. San Francisco

Thursday 19 April 1945, 7:25 PM

Dearest Sweetheart,

          Hello Darling, how are you today, busy?  This being our big girl's birthday, I bet you've been rushing around all day.

          I too have been busy.  I worked in my office all morning and part of the afternoon.  I spent the remainder of the afternoon working on that coconut paperweight I've talked about making.  It is all finished except for a coat of clear varnish that I'll put on tomorrow.  It'll really look nice.

          After I left my office I went up on the poop deck with a book and got the sun for an hour.  I'm reading a historical novel entitled "Look Away, Look Away" but I'll have to refer back to the book for the name of the author.  It is about a migration of southern aristocrats to Brazil immediately after the Civil War and is based on fact.  I believe you'd find it interesting; try to get hold of it.

          Today, I got one letter, dated the 10th, from my favorite girl friend. So you are back at John Adams Junior High.  You seem to like it there and your present assignment is a cinch.

          What about Linda's eyes?  I never did get a letter telling me what the doctor said.  Now you mention going back.  Repeat the "dope" in a couple of letters so I'll be sure to hear even if one gets lost in the shuffle.

          We have another repeat movie tonight, "Janie." I hope we get some new ones soon.  All we've been seeing lately are repeat showings.

          No more for now, so I'll sign off with love and kisses to all my loved ones.

Yours always,

Gil

Wild Goose Chase--Used Wrong Form for Requisitions

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

          U.S.S. Ocelot, F.P.O. San Francisco
            Saturday 14 October 1944, 9:40 PM

Dearest Eleanor,

          Went on a wild goose chase this morning.  Got some requisitions made out, borrowed the Captain's jeep. After chasing around for an hour getting it okayed, I was informed that the form used was wrong and so I've got to do the whole thing again.

          Well I returned to the ship and worked the rest of the morning.  After lunch, I rated liberty so I went on a shopping tour.  By the time I was through it was 4:00 PM so I returned and stowed my package aboard and then went over to the Officers' Club for a few beers.

          After dinner one of the officers and I played checkers until movie time.  My game is really improving.  We had a swell movie tonight, "Janie."  If you haven't seen it you must.

          No mail today except the enclosed card from Rabbi Lifschitz.  So no quiz program.  I have so much to do in the morning that I won't be able to write until tomorrow night.  You see, if I don't get the letter off early in the morning it won't leave the ship the same day.

          I've had a slight cold the last couple of days.  First I thought I was getting one of my sore throats but a few doses of "sulfa" and my throat cleared up.  The Doctor says as soon as we leave here my cough will clear up.  A harbor cough is what he calls it.  However, there are several colds aboard and I believe it's being passed around.

          Darling do you remember how much we've always enjoyed boating and how I wanted to buy a small craft for our pleasure?  Well Sweet, I haven't had too much of the sea yet and after the war I wouldn't be surprised if the Steingarts turned up with their own boat at Arrowhead or Catalina.

          How are my two little darlings doing these days?  Hope Norma soon gets over the crying spells she has when left outside to play.  And Linda must be getting to be quite the young lady now.  Did Dutchy get over her illness?  Every time I send a letter off I think of dozens of things to say but when I'm writing I forget.

          Well honey, it is time to turn in because I'm going to have a busy day tomorrow.  I love you Sweetheart and am counting the days till we are together again.

Love

Gil