Nothing to Break the Monotony Except Chow

AMERICAN RED CROSS

Sunday 27 February 1944,1750 o'clock

Dearest,

          What a day.  First I sat on one chair, then another, on one desk and then a second.  Nothing to break the monotony except chow.

          When I arrived here this morning I changed into my grays and am I glad with all the laying around I've done.  For breakfast I had orange juice, coffee and donuts; lunch--creamed chicken on toast with peas and coffee and ice cream; for dinner baked pork chops (2) with asparagus, small salad, red tart plums and ice cream (both for dessert).

          I read some, did some work on my correspondence course and even took a nap.

          How was your trip home?  Did you find the kids well?  I hope that tickling in your throat was a false alarm and not a cold coming on.  I really feel much better today.  The achiness is gone as is my headache. Now I'm getting drainage from my sinuses.

          Don't forget to write Deb about my leaving Saturday instead of Friday.  It has only been eleven hours since I saw you off and I miss you already.  It's going to be hard to wait 'til Saturday.

          By, my Sweet, 'til tomorrow

Love,

Gil

P.S.  Before the movie this evening, they are having a general service.  I may or may not attend.

Gil

"To furnish volunteer aid to the sick and wounded of armies......" and "To act in matters of voluntary relief and in accord with the military and naval authorities as a medium of communication between the people of the United States of America and their Army and Navy......"  The Charter of The American National Red Cross.  By Act of Congress January 5, 1905.

"Crap Out"

AMERICAN RED CROSS

Monday 7 February 1944, 1735 o'clock

Dear Eleanor,

          This has really been a busy day so I didn't get much of a chance to "crap out" (loaf).

          We had an easy trip back.  I let Dave drive for an hour and I turned in at 0230.  Finished the sandwiches without any effort and had the best dinner I've had since I reported in.  I had a tenderloin steak about 2-1/2 inches thick and really delicious.  I still can't figure out what happened.

          Tonight there will be a U.S.O. show as well as a movie so I guess I'll go.  If the movie is no good I'll leave and turn in early.

          Got one response on the ad but haven't been able to reach the party.  All that was left was a phone number.  I'll try again later tonight and if no luck tomorrow noon.

          Hope Norma is feeling better.  It really won't be so long before I'll be home this week.  give Linda and Norma a big hug and have one for yourself.

Love,

Gil

"To furnish volunteer aid to the sick and wounded of armies......" and "To act in matters of voluntary relief and in accord with the military and naval authorities as a medium of communication between the people of the United States of America and their Army and Navy......"  The Charter of The American National Red Cross.  By Act of Congress January 5, 1905.

Reported to U.S. Naval Repair Base in San Diego

                         

Monday 17 January 1944

1830 o'clock (6:30 P.M.)

Dear Eleanor,

          Just got through unpacking and hanging up my kit.  This sure is a busy place but they tell me things are quiet now, so I've got something to look forward to.

          The officer who took me around is a commander who just today received a promotion to captain.  I believe he is leaving for the Great Lakes Naval Station in a month.  Tomorrow he will take me around to meet the bosses and arrange for my pay and transportation.

          There are two men in the dental department who went to school with me and the rest of them are so friendly that I should feel at home right smart quick.  From what I was able to see today, the type of dentistry done here is of a very high level.  All the talk you hear about dentistry in the service is untrue.  Should you want to reach me after hours, I am at the B.O.Q.-- J room 4.  The phone number is Main 7212.  My work hours are 7:45 to 12:00 and 1:00 to 5:00.  Send all mail addressed: Lt. (j.g.) G. Steingart DC-USNR, U.S. Naval Repair Base, San Diego 36, California.

          Noontime today I was aboard an airplane carrier.  Lunch was 35 cents for meatloaf, potatoes, coffee and a whipped jello.  Dinner was 45 cents. I had oyster stew, rare roast beef, potatoes, peas, coffee and cream pie.  I am not eating any bread, potatoes or butter--must watch my waist line.

          Everything at the base is very informal.  You only salute officers with the rank of commander or higher.  Either the blue or grey uniform may be worn, so in a pinch I could wear by dress blue.  I'll also wear my blue on Mondays if I come in just in time to go to work.

          Will write again tomorrow.  Love and kisses to you, Linda Norma.  As ever

  Your loving husband,

Gil