Attended Kol Nidre Servuce--Chaplain Not Concerned About Pleasing Mr. and Mrs. Gotrock

Lt (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

             USS Ocelot, F.P.O. San Francisco
            Tuesday 26 September 1944,9:45 PM

Dearest Eleanor,

          Just got back from the Kol Nidre service and found six letters waiting for me.  You see I had liberty today. I didn't get back to the ship until it was time to go to the service so the exec and I shoved off immediately.  The Captain hasn't attended any of the services as far as I know.  I enjoyed this service much more than the last one because the place was much larger and cooler. The service itself was quite simple and the sermon was one that could well be repeated in all houses of worship.  But then the chaplain wasn't at all concerned about keeping his pulpit or pleasing Mr. and Mrs. Gotrock who contributed lavishly to the building fund.  He spoke his mind and we listened and liked it.

          While on liberty today I bought a couple of cute pinafores for the kids. Both are alike. I hope they fit because they set me back $8.80.  Glad pay day is soon because with all the shopping I've done I have very little left.  Besides I will have to pay $25.00 to the mess out of my next pay which will leave me about $35 for the next two weeks.

          This garden cafe I mentioned turned out to be a private club that opened its doors to officers.  Because they close at 7:00 P.M. all one can do there is drink and eat.  I imagine though that they've really had some beautiful affairs when times were normal.

          You ask if I enjoy your long letters.  That is what I and all the others aboard live for, a letter from home.  Regarding the San Diego business you ask about, everything is OK.  As far as my getting back to the states before my present tour of duty is up, the chances are very slim indeed.  I'll consider any such event as "manna" from heaven.

          Regarding music, how about sending along those dime store booklets you purchased last year.  Also send along the music notes I have.  There is a piano and I might find time to practice if I had the chords and base forms to follow.  There are two note books, send them both.

          Will finish in the morning dear, good night and sleep well.

Wednesday 10:45 AM

          Good morning Sweet.  Did you sleep well? Did both our girls behave all night and not disturb you?

          This has been a busy morning and this is the first free time I've had.  No more mail this morning but all the letters I got yesterday afternoon should keep me until 1:00 PM when I'll look for more.  I got a letters from the "Gs", Deb and Dave, Miss Earnest and thee from my Sweetheart.  Sounds like you had a busy week-end planned and now that Norma is well again you should take it easy and not overdo.

          Tomorrow my photos should be ready and I'll send them right along.  Will know more about Xmas card by then also (I hope)

          There is no use trying to guess where we going next.  I don't know so how can I tell you.  We will probable receive casualties because we are equipped to handle them but we won't be a hospital ship and when we get there it'll be all over but the shouting.

          Do you remember how I always wanted to be on the go and never wished to stay home? Well dear after this war I'll be satisfied to remain anywhere as long as I have you and our girls with us.

          Enough for now dear.  I want to get this off right away.  Goodbye for now, will visit with you again tonight.

With all my love,

Gil

Glad the Party Was Pleasant

Lt (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

             USS Ocelot, F.P.O. San Francisco
          Saturday 23 September 1944, 9:50 PM

Dearest Eleanor,

          Came out of the movie a few moments ago and here we are together for a few moments anyway.  The picture was Phil Baker in "Take It or Leave It."  Very little story to it but very good entertainment value.  See it and it'll give you a lift.

          Sweet, you must face it.  I won't be home for a long while but really I'll be quite safe.  I can't tell you what our ship is going to do but believe me we'll be as safe as we have been up to now.

          I wrote to Sieger and White several days ago but haven't written to the Vaneteks because I've been hoping to see Al and then I plan to write.

          I'm worried about Norma.  I do wish you would call the doctor immediately when the kids get sick instead of waiting to see.  You know how nice Harry is and I'm sure he'll be glad to do what he can.

          Glad to hear the party was at least a little pleasant for you.  I know how much you dreaded going and I'm really glad it was at it was.  Just goes to show you must go wherever there are people.  Honey, if you stay at home and wait for a call everyone will forget about you.  That is the way people are. "Out of sight out of mind" (all except you and I).  Talking about the food you had reminds me.  I've been watching my diet and have lost about eight pounds.  Am trying to lose eight more and with this hot weather we are having it should be easy--no appetite.

          As long as you've been having trouble with your periods again why don't you consult Harry about that too.  I hope you are not neglecting yourself.  I remember when you were plenty thin and I also remember that you didn't feel as well as you did as when you were around 128 pounds.  I don't like my women thin and you know it so young lady don't lose too much.

          I wrote about Rosh Hashanah Eve.  The next day I was getting ready to go to the service and had couple of emergency extractions.  By the time I was through it was too late so I just skipped it.

          I don't know whether the Captain will go to the Yom Kippur service, but the executive officer and I have already made plans to go to Kol Nidre.

          My new quarters will probably not be as roomy as they were but I think they'll be cooler and believe me out here that is important.  As for Jim Frug, don't think he'll be home so soon.  I bet it'll be another six months before he is transferred back to the states.  At least that seems to be his opinion and he ought to know.

          I am worried about Norma and am looking for tomorrow's letter with anxiety.  And please dear again I say take care of yourself.  I don't like the tone of you letters.  Sound that you are just letting go and you mustn't for your sake and our girls.  Please reassure me in your next letter.

          Do you remember how upset you were when we had to leave the El Dorado and you thought we couldn't find another apartment?  Well everything tuned out OK didn't it?  After the war when I am settled in private practice we'll be planning our new home with all the things we've always wanted.  As usual we won't listen to anyone and we won't be sorry.

          It's 10:20 PM now and it's time I turned in.  Good night my Sweetheart, please take better care of yourself and don't worry about me.  I'll be OK. I love you dear.

Your anxious

Gil

                    

 Picture from Party Eleanor Attended