Perspiring Profusely

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

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

Monday 8 January 1945, 7:10 PM

Dearest Eleanor,       

        Well it was fair and "warmer" today.  For my money, it can rain all the time.  I've been perspiring profusely all day whether I was working or just sitting or writing as I am at this moment.   My day began as usual with my dental appointments.  At eleven I was through and I retired to my room to do a little reading.  I finished Bromfield's "Until the Day Break" and will choose another book tonight.

       After lunch I discussed ways and means for future welfare activities with the skipper.  Then I went to work on the other necklace.  They are both finished now and wrapped, ready for mailing.  I'm going to try to send them airmail if I can.  When you send additional chains try and get the real fine ones.  I do think they look better that way.  That repair job I did on the faulty chain isn't too good so I'd suggest that you have a jeweler put a good link in the clasp otherwise the kids will lose it.  I'd suggest the heavier chain for Norma.

        Last night's movie was lousy.  Tonight we have Abbott and Costello in "Lost in a Harem." That should be good for a couple of laughs.

        Darling do you remember when I would insist on your going to movies you didn't care to see?  Well after this I'll be satisfied to stay home with you and play house with no arguments.

        No mail again today so there is little more I can add.

        Good night sweetheart, I'll see you in my dreams.

Love,

Gil

Religious Services Called Off

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

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

Sunday January 7, 1945, 7:15 PM

Dearest Eleanor,

          Well here I am again.  Though today is Sunday I began with work as usual.  It began to rain about 6:00 AM. By 11:00 AM storm warnings were up and we took all our boats out of the water because of a rough sea.  Religious services were called off because of the hazard connected with small boats.  When it was too late to do anything about it, the sea quieted down and the rain stopped.  So I had a free afternoon.

          After lunch I censored some mail and began a book by Louis Bromfield.  I'm not sure of the title but I think it's "There is Always Tomorrow."  Anyway it is interesting and I'll probably finish it when I turn in tonight.

          When I got tired reading I went down to my office and finished one of the necklaces I'm making and it's a beauty!  Be sure that the chain you send me for yourself is plenty long.  Also if you can pick up a few chains suitable for bracelets send them on as well.  Really these shell necklaces and bracelets are quite expensive to buy.  I've been lucky to be able to find the shells that I have.

          I'm all caught up with my correspondence except a thank you to Ethyl which I will write immediately after this letter.  No mail today but I hardly expect any for a few days now.

          The movie tonight sounds lousy but there is nothing else to do, so I guess I'll go.  It is "Meet Miss Bobby Socks" with Bob Crosby and Bob Benchley.  I do hope it isn't too bad.

          Sweetheart, do you remember how on rainy days on Washington Street we'd build a fire and read and visit in front of it?  After the war in our new home I'm sure we all would enjoy an open fire on a cold night. OK?

          So long for now darling.  I love you more all the time (if that is possible).

Devotedly,

Gil

Ordered Dolls for Linda and Norma

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

          U.S.S. Ocelot, F.P.O. San Francisco
             Wednesday 4 October 1944 9:30 PM

Dearest Eleanor,

          Had liberty today, but didn't do much.  As a matter of fact, I stayed aboard for lunch and it was past one before Ambie and I finally shoved off.  We stopped at a music store and bought a book of songs.  Then we stopped for a couple of beers and sat around in a hotel court just relaxing.  Caught a bus and got back in time for dinner.  After dinner, I broke out the song book, Ambie got the accordion and several of the officers joined us.  We sang and played until movie time.  The movie was "Atlantic City" with Constance Moore, Jerry Colona and a lot of old timers.  The picture had much entertainment value but for some reason didn't click.  I personally believe the continuity was lousy.

          After the picture, I went to my present quarters and found a letter from you.  You sound quite busy but the tone of the letter shows that you have more or less gotten over that "Tante" deal.  I hope you'll have better luck with help next time.

          I finished reading Louis Bromfield's "The Green Bay Tree."  It is really a woman's book but it was laying around so I picked it up and before I knew it, I was so far into it that I decided to finish it.  I expect to do a lot more reading once we get underway.

          Well Sweetheart, I'm going to end this letter short for now and will finish in the morning.  I love you darling and I'll be so proud of my wife and girls when I get back.  Good night, hone. Will be with you again in the morning.

Thursday 5 October 1944, 8:30 AM

          Good morning, Sweetheart.  Nothing new since last night.  I haven't seen the morning mail, and I'm in somewhat of a hurry.  I ordered some recreational gear, and I'll have a jeep available in a few moments to go to pick the stuff up.  I still have to shave, so I must close quickly to be sure this goes off in the next batch of mail.

          I've ordered dolls for Norma and Linda and they should receive them for Xmas.  I've been looking for a silver charm bracelet, but they all seem to have local items in miniature on them, so those are out.  I'll continue looking something may turn up.

          Honey, do you remember how surprised you were when you got your silver fox neckpiece?  Well darling, there are many surprises in store for you, but you'll have to be patient until they come.

          I'll sign off and dash now.

Loving you always

Gil