January 2, 1945

Milan dear,

Happy Birthday, sweetheart you are one year older today. Am wishing you more happy ones. I am a little worried about those things- box for fear they are hard by now. Dad couldn't get them mailed until this morning, but fear not for I'll do better (I hope) next time.

I got through talking with a girl from Texas that is traveling around with her husband. She was telling what a wonderful time they were having together. She isn't have a bit of trouble transferring around with her husband. My commanding officer was telling me yesterday that I wouldn't have any trouble and that I would remain at the same rating that I wouldn't lose it at all, which sounds good. "C AF 2". So as I understand just as soon as I send in the transfer blank I am practically transferred from here as things stand.

You know darling, I mentioned about a wash machine? Carole says they don't even know what they are in the South, so I want you to realize I am not expecting the best. Carole says everything is very crude and very few conveniences- oh heck! I don't care just so I have you.

I guess Carole and Ardis are having that personal shower to fix me up with a lot of fussy things. They are trying to tell me that men like things like that and that is one way to hold a man- is that true? I am just wondering. For I feel it's deeper then that. My idea is not bringing anything more then necessary to be burdened with and save these lovely things for our home we shall have some day. What's your opinion? Would you rather I bring all new things and the loveliest ones? My idea is to save those for our home and that will be just one less thing to get how do you feel?

Carole and I went to the show Sunday even. to see "The Doughgirls" and then I stayed all night with her. I'd like to have seen "30 seconds over Tokyo" but Carole didn't want to. I guess the sentiment of it.

Milan do you remember an Ed Cox? He was over to Carole's with Phynn the other evening; they were saying you went to school with him. He is teaching in western Kans. I guess he was a pal of Jack Lee's.

Am sorta planning on going out to your home Thursday or Friday which even. they would rather I come. Will see your Mother Wednesday evening at the shower.

Well I'll finish this after I get home and read my mail-

(Later)

Oh, darling I am truly the happiest person. I have gotten the pictures from the drug store and also your letter I've read and reread a number of times. You know to tell you the truth I have my fingers crossed and am concentrating on some place warmer then Plattsburg N.Y. for you to go. I don't think it will be too good for you and well it is sorta going to be cold there, time will tell. All I'm doing is being ready to do anything; when you say the word, I'll fit in. I am anxious just as much as you to be with you, but even if it takes several weeks to a month.

That is nice about the marriage certificate being made. You know one of the girls ask[ed] me if you were getting the allotment fixed up in the month of Dec.- if you did we would get a check for Dec. around the 1st of Jan. Of course she might be wrong, but she mentioned her husband did. Honey do you think it really necessary to cancel that band? That is one way to save. Oh Gee! I can't wait to see how we can make out. I know we can do it. Carole talks like they couldn't even live on 1st Lt. wage, but I feel there is two ways of living: extravagant and economical. Up to now my check every two weeks have been $44.80 being married about $5 more Income tax plus $7.50 on my raise being $57.50 plus $7.50 bond every two weeks. Lets see that's around $130 per month. I do feel we two can live on that don't you. That doesn't include what the army gives you and the allotment which can be along the line of saving for a rainy day.

Oh yes darling, Mother and I have been shopping, in fact I have picked out a set of dishes. I know you will like. They look expensive with a dull gold edge and soft small flower design of rose, green, blue for $16.20- 52 piece, 8 setting. It is an open set that we can always replace even later when we have a home, since Topeka will always be our headquarters. It is sorta nice. The name is Princess Rose. Oh yes I have also picked out the crystal- didn't get any, it will give folks something to give when giving presents. Another thing they have is a table of pieces that have a nickel out of it, just very small though, they sell very cheap that one can get. That will give Mother something to do. Ha! It's called Novasse in case you happen to be in a store in town you could ask to see it. It's a master etched popular pattern. None of that gold we saw.

It sounds like maybe leaving your job to come home left you without a job. Am hoping you won't have to do that detail long, I bet you were tired on Friday. I tell Mother I guess I'll have to leave town to get any rest myself at the rate everyone has me going strong.

Sweetheart I mentioned in the last letter about maybe you would like to send some of the announcements out maybe to some of your friends you see it was so very little more to go and get 100. I didn't think 50 would do it. So I will send some to you if you want them. They are not engraved but printed- you could send them along with your regular letters you would write them. That is what I'm going to do to my girl friends. I am going to get them tomorrow.

Velma wrote to day asking me if I was coming out to California etc. Will she get the surprise of her life. I thought I'd put the announcement in a letter I write her.

Oh yes Milan I got a box through the mail today from Mrs. and Mrs. C.H. Spangler 316 Harrison. It was dusting powder and bath of sweets in Avon products and a hankie. I remember the name, but just who are they. Please don't think I'm forgetful. But it's a little hard to get them all straight. Oh yes I was trying to figure the relationship the Bass's are to you.

Oh Gee! I seem to rattle on for ever and say nothing. It just pops into my head. It sounds as though you won't get any rest when I get to see you at this rate. But I do love you so and am looking for[ward] to that day. I am boarding the train to you- when ever it may be.

Loads of Love, darling
Your loving wife.