January 6, 1945

Dearest Milan,

I could just hug you [to] death if I had you, how even it won't be too much long. I'll be prepared for the cold weather, it would be kinda fun to see that part of the country. Have you even been that far north? While we are at it we might as well see all the points of interest. maybe it won't be as easy on our own time and money and then this gives a fellow an idea what parts are most interesting for a hurried vacation some day- pipe dream huh!

Oh yes did I mention I've written to Plattsburg US Employment. It can't hurt anything, just things _____[word not legible] faster if that is the destination.

You know I had a very nice visit with your mother- she is so understanding and a peach too as time goes on maybe we can help her by picking up nice things she might enjoy- you know I know it helps my mother for me to go pick out a dress then send her down to try and try it on in case it won't fit. Oh heck! I'm off the track but I get a kick out of helping people pick out their colors clothes or what have.---- Back to us.

Darling these are sweetest letters honey I do wish I could express my self as well as you do. I do do love you very dearly and I want you to know it.

Oh yes Milan I received the check book 50 correct Gee! It doesn't look as though you kept any yourself. I shall place that in the bank Wed. I have an appointment to get a permanent at that time, so will do both at that time. I better get that other money out of my account and put it into this one at that time, maybe Wed will be the only day I take off. I want to save my annual leave to be with you out there.

Another thing honey all business or legal things that I use my name [on] I plan to use Kathleen W Smerchek. Dad seems to feel it less confusing especially when they want it written out. It explains what ones name used to be. If we get started with F later on there is confusion. Mother has found it true for she uses P instead of Whitiker in W.

what I am driving at I am wondering if the allotment should not be corrected or changed to W instead of F; it may not seem important, but I am having my identifications with W which might place a confusion, even the Bank book has W. I know am very busy confused and just wondering and writing to where you will be. So maybe it is not the proper time to make the change of F to a W but I am wanting to cancel all later confusion that might occur. Dad is the one that feels there might be a confusion. He writes out a lot of junk for Grandma who uses both and it's very confusing, they try to tell him it isn't the same person and a few things that wouldn't have been necessary had she stuck to one name and initial. I want you to know I do appreciate the sample copy of it though. I'll read it after I write you.

Don't you think we should work and get some pictures later instead of have dime store made up. Am surprised you didn't keep the best of us two.

Oh yes we got a nice letter from Margaret. She plans to return to Topeka soon or later to get her things. They are (Johnny and she) going to live in a lake house back or near her sister and brother in law. Oh yes best of all she announced that "Johnny" is to have a sister "Janie" in August, it's a little early to announce it, but since she told us, we are definitely very happy. I guess they decided "Johnny" better have a companion which is [an] excellent idea.

Darling, as I reread your letter how true you express my sentiments yes though two weeks seem much longer. It also thrills me to realize I have you to make happy and best of all its for a life time. I can hardly believe it.

Sure it wouldn't have been complete without some fun. Carole and Andre say if there had been more of them they would have come up to the room. You know I guess I still fell distant and scared so at that time all was fine until it was time to go to the room. Gee I was frightened for I didn't know what you expected of me. I's all very foolish I guess.

I'll send about ten announcements to you, and then if you want me I'll send you more. I have sent all of that list you gave me and some more except what your mother wanted to add notes in and all my friends- now for the thank-you letters to be written.

Oh yes darling you mentioned about calling. I hope and pray it's in the evening you call Sunday- For I must work at the Depot. Our office is moving to a new warehouse Sunday, so you see I maybe make that move. I will be the only one there- wish you were going to [be] here to visit here.

Oh yes sweetheart I am going to bring that hat (yours) the one you look so nice in. I hope you don't mind? It would be nice for dress. Incidentally is there anything else you want me to bring? How about those dandy looking "undies" I took off the line last evening- your mother had washes in case NY is the location. I won't be the only one who needs warm clothes. I'll bring what I have in the way of slacks which are 2nd best now I gave them some hard wear, in case we do go to NY. One probably can find things up there.

I am sorta hoping wherever you are going will cause me to go through Chicago, Phil., or NY for I have some clothing that is wearing out that I need to be replaced but I couldn't find here at all. Only huge dept. stores carry, never realizing, or I'd stocked up when it was possible.

About the allowance will it be okay to just send the $50 to the bank or is it necessary I [not legible] it. Let's see didn't we decide it was to be placed into the saving account: what was your idea?

You rated well with a turkey dinner NYears. That gaining sounds good. It's not the thing to have your mother fix my lunch, She puts too many good things in it. She is sweet.

So you have your sleeping caught up wonderful. I am having a time it looks like I'll have to get caught up when I get down there. No I'll do my best before I see you.

Yes, I understand perfectly darling that it may be 2, 3, or even 5,6 weeks before it is the thing to come. All I am doing is just being ready and have all matters taken care of. For I feel your judgment is [not legible] when even you get settled there are several matters before I come such as a room- a place to hang our hats.

You say you had three rolls of film at the drug store. I only got 2. Are you thinking of the roll you took some of Irene? Just wondering? Because I can only produce 2.

I must close and go to bed sweet dreams Ocean of love
Kisses.

Your Wife