Won 25 Dollars Last Night and Lost 25 Cents Tonight

Thursday 18 October 1945, 11:30 PM

Dearest Eleanor,

          Another day gone and another day closer to when we'll be together again.  Just loafed around all day.  It sure is hard to keep busy when there isn't a darn thing to do.  I did find an Ellery Queen mystery.  I read part of that today, but all in all today was just another one wasted.

          Today I got some more old mail dated the 1st and 4th October.  Wish I could tell you when we are leaving but I can't.  The Navy announced a three point reduction in points with additional reductions in December and January 1st.  It could happen that I'll be a civilian by the time I'm thirty-six.  I couldn't think of a nicer birthday present.

          I think I'll be home in time to help you with your Xmas shopping, but to be home by Thanksgiving and your birthday is cutting it pretty thin.  However, it could happen.  They've started decommissioning the "Mighty O" and they could be finished by the end of the month.

          I think I remember Mary Billings.  Is she a thin, nervous type of girl around thirty-five?  No use asking as I'm not expecting any reply.  By the time any answers get out here I hope to be on my way home.  Why only 200 men aboard?  The flag carried about 500 enlisted men, yeomen, radiomen, storekeepers and signalman.  When they moved, they took them along.  The men we had aboard were just those necessary for running the ship.

          You've been talking long enough now about how you've been feeling.  How about going to a doctor and getting the low down once and for all.

          Talking about weight, since we've been ashore I've been doing lots of walking up and down hills and my appetite is tremendous. Hope I keep my weight down to what it was.  Here the food is better so I eat plenty.

          Your honeymoon schedule is excellent, but I do have one complaint.  Don't you think you should allow more time for loving?

          Saw a real good, though old, movie tonight.  It was "Knute Rockne All American," with Pat O'Brien.  After the movie we played a little poker.  I won $25 last night and lost about 25 cents tonight.  I'm not doing too badly, am I?

          That is all for tonight so I'll sign off and go to bed.  Hope I dream about us I love you so.

Yours forever,

Gil

Used Up Our Pyrotechnics

Lieut. Gilbert Steingart

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

Saturday 18 August 1945, 10:25 PM

Dearest Eleanor

          It was raining last night when I turned in and continued to come down until late this afternoon.  As a result it is much cooler today hitting a new low of 82 degrees.       

          I had quite a busy morning but the afternoon was mine.  I had planned to go ashore but the rain changed my mind.  If it's nice tomorrow I'm planning a little trip.  I have a tug promised but it all depends on the weather.

          I finished "Earth and High Heaven" this afternoon.  I enjoyed reading it.  I also censored some mail and at five o'clock showered and dressed for dinner and then cribbage.

          We had a good movie for a change, "Flame of the Barbary Coast" with John Wayne, Ann Dvorak and Joseph Schildkraut.

          I got two letters from you my darling and one from Libby.  You sure didn't have to spend $5 on Harry's birthday after the two cheap books they sent me on mine.  Jesus gal, money doesn't grow on trees.  No wonder it costs you so much to live.  Instead of telling me how cheap Ruth acts at times, why don't you give them the "business" instead.

          Glad you've decided against continued diet.  Dieting never did your health or disposition any good.

          Cox finally left last week.  Glass is also on his way.  Another officer Roger Kirk is now awaiting his relief.  Of the officers I found when I came aboard only the captain, Dr. Bushyager, Kuhn, and Aspinwall remain.  In another month I expect only I and Aspinwall will remain and not for very long, I hope.

          No dear, I haven't lost any weight.  This heat makes a guy pepless enough without diet.  However, if we do move up to Japan before I go back, the change will do me and my waistline good.

          As I wrote before we did all our celebrating Friday night.  As a matter of fact we used up all our pyrotechnics. When peace was officially announced there was little excitement out here.

          Well darling another week is over, another week less of being apart.  From the looks of things the rotation plan is continuing and I still hope to be home this fall and that isn't far away.

          So Sweet until tomorrow with love and kisses.

Your lonely husband

Gil

Pyrotechnics used up before official peace announcement.

The movie

Heat Saps

Lieut. Gilbert Steingart

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

Friday 20 July 1945, 7:00 PM

Dearest Eleanor,

          Hello my Sweet, here I am again.  I had my usual busy morning but this afternoon being field day I had no appointments and had all the time to myself.

          Several officers were going over to the beach on business so I tagged along.  Just as we hit the beach it began to blow and rain like I've never seen before.  We gathered at the club and drank beer until the squall abated and then we all went our own ways.  I went out on the highway and thumbed a ride to the hospital where Simmie is stationed and visited with him for an hour.  Then I returned to the club to meet the others.  I had time for two more beers before we were all present.  We shoved off but didn't quite make the first sitting of the wardroom and had to wait until 6:30 to eat.  That gave me plenty of time to shower and clean up before chow and now here I am.

          I got six letters today.  Three were from you, my darling. There was one each from Ethyl, Leon and Libby.  Now here goes.

          I do hope all you Lake Arrowhead plans come off smoothly now.  Another disappointment would be too much.

          I really feel okay and though my letters are short you shouldn't interpret that to mean I'm low and discouraged.  Of course there is nothing to cheer about.  I really do miss you and the kids.  Yet I am safe and have as many comforts as one could expect and I am doing the work I like.  However the heat is terrific and it does sap a fellow's enthusiasm and pep.

          I'm really hoping and planning to be with you on your birthday.  Next month I'll send in my request for my next assignment.  We'll just have to be patient, wait, and see.

          From the amount of time you've spent cleaning, the house sure must have been a mess when the painters and floor men were finished.  I hope you didn't overdo.  You know that another day more or less wouldn't make any difference.

          Tonight's movie is "China Sky" with Randolph Scott and is supposed to be good.
          I just had my next correspondence course lesson typed up and after I've edited it, I'll send it off.

          That is all the dope for tonight honey so I'll sign off.  Goodnight Sweetheart and pleasant dreams.

Love,

Gil

Native Girls Do Not Appeal

Lieut. Gilbert Steingart

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

Saturday 30 June 1945, 10:15 PM

Dearest Eleanor,

          Hello Honey how is my sweet?  For me today was just like any other day away from you.  I had my usual program of work this morning. After lunch I joined a few officers going ashore for a few drinks.

          We left at 2:00 PM and arrived some thirty minutes later.  At about 3:30 it began to rain and it poured until 4:30.  However I didn't mind as we had a good place to sit and drink without getting all wet (on the outside of course).  At 5:00 PM we returned to the ship

          After chow I laid down in my bunk until movie time.  The picture tonight was a repeat, "The Falcon in Hollywood."  There were also three shorts so we had a full program.  Now here I am.

          The mail today brought me three letters postmarked the 21st and 22nd of June, so here goes. You certainly don't have to remind me of Norma's birthday.  I pray that I'll never miss another of hers, Linda's or yours, ever.

          Out this way there are no purses like the one I sent Linda but I'll keep an eye peeled for something she'll like as well.

          Leon's report of the large numbers of dentists bears out my argument that I'll be relieved before my eighteen months are up.

          Again, don't worry about me.  I'm very careful and I'm not falling through any hatches.  Forget it!  As for native girls--whether I'm drunk or sober they do not appeal to me.  No one does.  I just want you.

          The way they are working things now, officers get orders to report immediately for oversea duty.  No leaves are being given. At most any time, Leon may get orders to shove out.  As short as they are of doctors in the states, they are even shorter of them out here.

          There is nothing more for now, Honey, so I'll sign off.  Goodnight and pleasant dreams.

Love,

Gil

P.S. I'm returning Linda's art.  I don't want to lose it.

Two Girls and a Sailor

Lieut. Gilbert Steingart

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

Sunday 24 June 1945, 6:45 PM

Dearest Eleanor,

          Hello Sweet, here it is Sunday again. It really isn't any different than any other day.  I did begin work at 9:00 AM instead of 8:30 AM but that was the only difference.

          After a busy morning and chow I finished reading "Postman Always Rings Twice" and began Thorne Smith's "Passionate Witch."  Then I had to arrange Catholic and Protestant services on deck and before I knew it was 5:15 and time to shower and dress for dinner.

          No cribbage game so here I am a little bit early.  The mail brought me one letter from you postmarked the 17th.  I've still to receive the 15th and 16th but that's the ways it goes.  Today's letter really thrilled me.  Those three photos of the kids are swell.   My how they've grown.  I'd better hurry home or my two little girls will be grown up young ladies.  Oh well something should pop in the next month or two. Maybe I'll get home long before Xmas.

          I guess Norma's party was on the 17th instead of the 20th.  The package I sent probably didn't get there in time but you should have received it by now.  How long is it taking for my mail to reach you now?

          We have a good movie tonight, "Two Girls and a Sailor" with Van Johnson, June Allison and Jimmy Durante.  However I always go, good or bad.

          So darling you are blue again.  Now dear I'm lonesome and miss you and the kids but I try not to let it get me down.  I know it's hard to do but I do, and I'm making the best of it.  The letter I received from Dr.  Ivie's several days ago indicates that he is quite homesick and unhappy.  It's got the best of him.  It does no good to feel sorry for yourself.  In any case no one else will feel sorry for you.  So the thing to do is to be cheerful and make the best of this situation.  It can't be long now before there'll be some changes.

          In the meantime Honey, think about how much fun it'll be when we are all together again.   Keep smiling.

Loving you always
Gil

The three photos--in dancing school costumes

 Linda--Snow Ballet

Norma--Bunny 

Linda--Dutch Doll

Hotter Than Hades

Lieut. Gilbert Steingart

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

Thursday, 21 June 1945, 7:00 PM

Dearest Eleanor,

          Hello Darling, how was our baby's birthday yesterday?  I'm missing so much now that it'll take years of catching and making up for it all.

          I had my usual busy morning and early afternoon.  I found out just where Simmie is and will look him up in a couple of days.

          There is really nothing new or different to talk about.  I haven't been ashore lately because the clubs have been so mobbed that there really isn't much fun in going over.  In a few days things should quiet down a little and then I'll make up for last time.

          The mail brought me six pieces today.  A letter marked the 14th, the Outlook which you sent and letters from my mother, Libby, Charlie Blume and Dave.

          My cold only lasted two days which is amazing because you remember how my sinuses would drain for days after a cold.  It must be the climate but I'd still give it back to the Indians or Japs or anyone who really wants it. In the past few days, there has been no rain or overcast skies. It's been hotter than Hades.  I sure miss the refreshing breeze we used to get at our last station.

          Last night's movie "The Great Mike" was a stinkeroo of the first order.  Tonight we had an oldie but a good one, "Dixie" with Bing Crosby and Dorothy Lamour.

          Graves was only out of the states for a year and he has gone back, so I'm still optimistic about being home in the fall.

          No more for now so I'll sign off with love and kisses to you and out sweet girls.

Devotedly,

Gil

Sheath Knife

Lieut. Gilbert Steingart

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

Wednesday 20 June 1945, 6:50 PM

Dearest Eleanor,

          Today was just another day of work.  I was busy all morning.  I cancelled the afternoon appointments because of surprise inspection by the fleet medical officer.  By the time he left sick bay it was after three so there wasn't anything more for me to do but crap out.

          I stripped down to my skivvies, censored mail and read until 5:00 PM.  Then I showered and dressed for dinner.  No cribbage game tonight so here I am.

          The mailman brought me five more letters today postmarked the 12th and 13th so here goes.  I see you are still teaching.  Bet you'll make as much this month as I do.

          About money matters.  The reserve account should be 100% available now and if it is, close it and transfer the funds to the checking account.  About your spending I had my say and I know you'll be careful.

          Is the knife you're sending me a sheath knife?  I bought one out here for $1.95 but it isn't much good, the regular Marine issue should be much better.

          I'll try to look up Simmie the first time I go ashore.  Now that I have his address he shouldn't be hard to find.A         

          I really enjoyed those little pictures but was disappointed in the minicolor shot.  It isn't very clear, how much did it cost?  I'm saving all pictures and I'm really looking forward to the rest if they are better than those you sent.

          In about ten days I'm giving a little "wetting down" party at the club for a few ship's officers and will shoot the spool of film you sent me.

          The movie tonight is Stuart Ervine in "Big Mike" and I hope it's good.

          Outside of that there is nothing more so I'll say goodnight to my darling on our baby's third birthday.

Love,

Gil

Marine Issue Sheath Knife

Page from Gil's photo album. The minicolor shot is of Norma in a bunny costume. The color has faded away. The colored photo taken in Hawaii with Gil,Jim Frug and their jeep is better preserved.

Both Forearms and Both Legs in Casts

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

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

Friday 15 June 1945, 10:00 PM

Dearest Eleanor,

          Just another day far away from the one I love.  Worked as usual all morning.  After lunch three of us took a boat over to the hospital to see Jim Lyons.  Poor fellow he is in bed with both forearms and both legs in casts and will remain so for 90 to 120 days.  In spite of it all he is quite cheerful and making the best of a very unpleasant situation.  We visited with him for an hour and then returned to the ship.         

          There was no work for me to do because it was field day.  So I stripped down to my skivvies and censored a stack of mail.  Then I read from "Saratoga Trunk," showered and dressed.

          I sent off an air mail package with a little something I made for each of my girls.  I do think the chain on Norma's gift is too heavy so if you like you can have a finer one put on.  Both of the kiddies' gifts are made from coconut shell.  Yours, you'll be able to tell more about when you see it.  I've still got some other ideas about the coconut shell and will see what comes of it.

          The mail service has been very poor lately.  Guess the mail planes have been grounded because of adverse weather conditions.  I did get one letter today dated June 5.  I received the 4th three days ago.

          I see you are still teaching.  Well, vacation will be here soon and you'll get a long rest.  Maybe by the time school opens again I'll be home.  One never can tell.

          I'm sure Norma's party will be or should I say was a great success.  I'm sure missing plenty but we'll re-celebrate all these occasions as we've planned.

          We had an old but excellent movie tonight, "Fired Wife" with Louise Allbritton and Diana Barrymore.  We saw it together long ago.

          Well Sweet, I'm all done for tonight so bye and pleasant dreams.

Love,

Gil

What Budget?

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

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

Friday June 1, 1945, 4:00 PM

Dearest Eleanor,

          This morning I hit the jackpot.  I got thirteen letters, eight from you, two from Deb, and one each from Libby, your mother and mine.  However, I was busy all morning.  It was noon before I had a chance to read any of them.

          Now to your letters.  They were all written prior to the one I received Tuesday and cover the 15th to 18th inclusive.  I'm glad that Norma is about over her illness and pray that Linda will escape catching it.

          You didn't draw down too pleasant a teaching assignment this time, did you?  Oh well, the school year is about over and every dollar helps towards balancing the budget.  Don't ask me "what budget?"

          Sure wish I had a camera of my own.  This is a swell place for taking pictures.  Send on any film that you can get and I'll borrow a camera.  Even some 116 film will do.

          Sorry dear but even out here we don't have all the pens we need.  I only got the Sheaffer through some pull.  Besides $6.50 is too much for a gift.  Remember please, my total income is only $300 per month.  Take it easy we'll need plenty of surplus when I discard my blues and set up in practice again.  What do you want me to do? Put you on a budget like someone else we know?  Sorry to say it but you don't seem to realize that you're spending too much and expensive gifts are one place to cut down.

          Talking about candy and diets.  You know I have practically all the "vitamin pills" you sent me and also the salt water taffy from my mom.  I seldom eat any sweets though I do drink a coke two or three times a week.

          I'm glad you found my fountain pen.  I know it wasn't a very good one but they are hard to get.

          It's hard for me to understand anyone saying "gosh it's nice and hot."  If I never see hot weather again, I'll be satisfied.  At this moment the back of my shirt is soaked with perspiration.

          I've had my say on the fur coat dear.  However, if you've still got your heart set on it, you can have $100 cash for our anniversary.  My reserve is down to $275 now and I'd like to keep it around $300.  One never can tell when he'll need money in a hurry.

          Your mention of Monskey reminds me of an article in the April 7 Colliers called "Repelled and Miami Beachhead." Special mention is made of it in the B'nai B'rith Bulletin.

          When you get your budget worked out I'd like to see it.  I know things are high but still you're spending over $300 a month means that you're spending as much as before I got into the Navy.  How do I figure it?  Well we ran $500 a month then including payments on the house which you aren't making now.  Then we spent no more than $150 on amusement together so you figure it out.  I hate to harp on money but I'm getting a little worried when you say than soon there won't be any surplus.  Remember I have about $100 a month for insurance, too and there'll have to be a surplus to pay that until I get rolling again.  Don't tell me we have bonds. Those are savings and should stay so.  I really feel that with the $50 increase I'm expecting this month, you should be able to get by without using up too much from the bank account.  Bet Ruby doesn't spend that much a month. She still has a few friends and you can do it too.  I've had my say about money and I won't talk about it again.

          Let me explain how the ALNAV works.  The Navy Department sends out a message to all ships and stations saying advance to lieutenant all line and staff lieutenant (j.g.) with date of rank January 1 to January 31.  Individual names are seldom mentioned.  We won't get the ALNAV out here until around the 10th.

          Sweet I am enclosing a $100 check for Norma's birthday bond and incidentals.  Please don't feel badly about my harping on our finances.  I do love you and I know you aren't willingly squandering money, but I also know how big hearted and generous you are and I'm not there to apply the brakes as I used to.

          It is 4:55 and I must shower and change so I'll sign off.  Goodnight Darling until tomorrow.

Love,

Gil

P.S.    The movie tonight is "Eadie Was A Lady" with Ann Miller.  Don't know a thing about it.

Gil

          

Not in Okinawa

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

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

Tuesday 29 May 1945, 10:45 PM

My Darling Wife,

          Look Eleanor, you tell Ethyl I'll write soon.  Began today as usual and worked all morning and from one to two this afternoon.  I went ashore this afternoon.  It was a treat to be on some land with mountains and trees.  There is a very beautiful officers' club here and the natives are hired to wait on table and tend bar.  However I didn't do much drinking, instead I walked along the beach--yes looking for shells.  I found quite a few that are different from those I already have.  Several miles away by boat there is a fair sized town. The skipper of one of the LCI's (Landing Craft Infantry) has promised to run me up there someday next week.  
          I'm drawing $175 on the first and will send on $100 for Norma's birthday.  The rest will go to pay my $30 mess bill and for any souvenirs I can find.

          When we got back to the ship I was expecting a stack of mail but there was only one lonely letter from my Sweetheart.  Guess it'll take a few days before our mail is properly rerouted.

          We had an excellent movie tonight.  It was "My Reputation" with Barbara Stanwyck and George Brent.  Be sure to see it.  I know you'll like it.

          Now to your letter.  Please don't worry about me.  I'm perfectly safe and I'm not at Okinawa.  You must be mixed up or else you were tight (tsk, tsk) when you wrote.  The letter is dated May 20 yet the postmark is Mary 19.  Now how could anyone mail a letter a day before it is written?  Ah sweet mystery of love.

          Sounds like you are having quite a full and busy program.  I wondered about Brownie.  Her Xmas card was returned to me so I assumed she'd quit.

          The kids do sound interesting.  I'll have plenty to make up to the when I get home and I will.  That is a promise.

          Gosh, Honey, it's now ten months since I came aboard.  Do you remember our last weekend before I got my orders?  We went to La Jolla dinner dancing, and we were like two happy kids.  Remember how we stood on the stone wall watching the grunion run?  Well Sweet soon this nightmare should be over and we'll begin just where we left off.  The only trouble will be that we'll have so much catching up to do to make up for what we lost but we will.

          No more for now Darling, so goodnight.  May all you happy dreams soon come true.

Love,

Gil

To Linda--You've Learned to Write Very Well

9 May 1945

Dear Linda,

          Received you letter today and am answering right away.  I'm glad you had such a nice birthday party.  Mother wrote me all about it and I was truly sorry to miss it. Let's hope that never again will I ever miss any of your birthdays.

          How do you like being in the first grade?  You've learned to write very well and I hear you do just as well with your reading.  I really am proud of you.

          I know you want to know when I'm coming home, but I really don't know for sure.  However I do think it'll be soon.

          Goodbye for now and write soon.

Love,

Daddy

Liberty Party Caught in Pour Down

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

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

Monday 7 May 1945, 7:20 PM

Dearest Eleanor,

          A real easy day for a change.  I had patients all morning but I was able to take my time and not have to work fast.  After lunch I took a liberty party ashore and returned to the ship at 4:45.  As usual on our way back we got caught in a pour down and by the time I got aboard I was drenched to the skin.  However, a nice shower and change of clothes and I was ready for dinner.  After eating we sat up on the poop deck getting the cool evening breeze and after "colors" I came down for our little daily chat.

          The mail brought me four letters from you, one from Ethyl and a return on the sixth lesson of my course.  My grade was 3.96.  Your letters are postmarked the 25th and 27th.  I'm missing some days so I guess there'll be more tomorrow.  Now here goes.

          Looks like you got only got one day of teaching that week but sounds like you enjoyed it.  Your letter made me much happier because you morale is up for a change and your outlook a little brighter.  Try and stay that way for me.

          Just as I thought, you should have gone to the Sipper's.  Everyone isn't as formal and you are and I'm sure they expected you.

          The Mothers' Day gifts should arrive on time and I hope you like them.  Besides all told, they set me back $19, so I know you'll like them.

          I can hardly wait for the photos of Linda.  Looks like both kids are doing okay on bonds but just the same I'll send  birthday bond money for Norma.

          So Marty and Manny had a spat.  Boy oh boy, local politics are sure getting hot.  They were such good friends too.  You guessed it; the whole thing worries me--not.

          I know all about where to write and what to ask for.  The only thing is that there are only a few dentists at the hospital but many medics.  Anyway we'll try.  Cyril Gail is there now.  I read that in a Dental Bulletin I got.

          Tonight's movie is "National Velvet" and I must go now and get a good seat.  Goodnight Sweet and pleasant dreams.

Love,

Gil


Liberty party going ashore

The nightly movie

          

Couldn't Ask for Better Duty

Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Steingart

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

Friday 4 May 1945, 7:15 PM

Dearest Eleanor,

          Today was just another one of those days.  I was busy as a bee all morning and was surely glad when 11:45 rolled around.  This being "field day" I secured for the day and after lunch joined a group of officers going ashore for some recreation and beer--mostly beer.

          Our boat picked us up and got us back to the ship at 5:15 PM in time to shower and change for dinner.  Then it began to rain and though I don't know right now I hope it still is coming down.  I decided to come down to my office early and write you an extra long letter. Low and behold I found six letters from you and one each from Deb and your mother.  Now I really have something to write about and here goes.

          Linda's birthday party sounds like it was a real success, and she really bagged a lot of nice gifts.  Wish I could have be there to help and to enjoy the party with you.

          So you're teaching once more.  I'm glad you like your assignment.  Doing something one likes is so much easier.

          Talking about bonds, I'll send a $100 money order for Norma's birthday just as I did for Linda.  Buy her a bond and use the $25 any way you like.  Don't worry about me being short.  I'll get by.

          Sorry the Officers Wives' Club was so uninteresting.  I had hoped you'd make some new acquaintances.

          I don't know why you hesitate eating an occasional meal at the Corsos.  They don't worry about sponging on you or your good nature, so kill an evening once in awhile that way.  By the way take any good stuff out of the cellarette.  No use letting those buzzards guzzle it all up.  Send me Sam Kahn's address.  I'd like to drop him a note.

          I sent Leon a note to Treasure Island.  I hope he gets it.  Sounds like he doesn't like San Bruno at all but he'll like where he is going even less.  I'd trade with him anytime. Really for duty outside the continental limits one couldn't ask for better than I have.

          Now the blarney about Dick going up for Officer Candidate School.  Without a college education he hasn't got a chance but let them find out for themselves.  Don't tell them.

          I can see you never kept very good track of my weight.  Before I went on a diet I was close to 185 pounds and cut down to 182.  When I reported for active duty I was 170 and that is where I am now.

          No we never saw "Greenwich Village" but it is a good movie.

          Curry's letter was a surprise.  Not because she is infanticipating but because he is going into the Armed Forces.  After all he was working in defense and married.  Guess they're still nabbing plenty of unsuspecting papas.

          Considering the amount of beer I drank today I really have written a fairly sensible letter.

          Tonight's movie is "Night Club Girl" with a lot of unknowns, but I'll go anyway.

          So Sweetheart again I come to an end all out of breath.  Wish I was winded for other reasons.  I can hardly wait till that time when we can turn out the light and go to "sleep."  I never saw people sleep like that before.

          Until that time keep those panties on and your hopes up.  Love and kisses to all my girls at 714 Euclid.

Yours forever,

Gil