October 25, 1944

Dear Kathleen,

Almost a week has gone by since I last sat down to drop you a couple lines so perhaps I'd better get down to business and let you know I'm still here. Then too I'm anxious to hear from you too, and that's the only way I'll get one isn't it? Ha! Yes. I like "love" to get them (your letters) ever so much.

I'm sure the boys at Winter General Hospital enjoyed having you come out and play cards with them. I know when I was at Halloran General Hospital, Staten Island, N.Y. the boys sure enjoyed having the girls out from the Canteen in N.Y. City. No doubt a lot of those boys are getting discharges from the army.

I'm going over to the library and seeing if they have a copy of "Look" dated 31st of Oct. I'm sure I'll be interested if it has anything to do with what we have been discussing the past few months. I think I've seen the picture, "Impatient Years".

I'm a bit tired this evening as a result of the Physical fitness test I took. Perhaps I over did it just a bit. I hope I'm in better shape when I go down to the base and try to win the $25 war Bond for the most physically fit. I did fifty-five sit-ups, thirteen chin-ups and ran three hundred yards in forty-five seconds. I'll have to improve all three of them in order to place at the base but I believe it is worth a trial. I've been out in the bay rowing a lot which has helped to build up my muscles a lot. Of course I always take a fishing pole along but there hasn't been very many fish in the bay here lately due to the fact the tide hasn't been coming like it used to.

I used to enjoy Major Bowes Program very much but I've not heard him for I don't know how long. I'm usually down on the base and in the evening going to a show which probably accounts for me not listening to a lot of radio programs.

I don't seem to remember Dorothy Blush but I know the King girl for George Cochran went with her sister at one time. Gee! most of the ole gang is married now.

Tampa is an interesting city but it isn't arranged very well and spreads out for miles. Mac Dill is almost due south of Tampa Kathleen. If you follow Bayshore Drive out it will lead you right to the field. St. Peter is across the bay from Tampa and there are two bridges which take one over there. There Gandy bridge or Davis bridge will take you over there. All summer we had ferry service from the field to St. Peter. Rattlesnake, Florida isn't very far from the field either but I've not gone over to eat any rattlesnake sandwiches or meat. I've been told it is very good though.

The shipyards are located on Hookers point. They are just starting to build steel ships. They have been building concrete ships until a month ago.

Kathleen I'm marking the days off until that furlough also so you haven't a thing on me. Gee I'm certainly looking forward toward the 4 of Dec. for that's when it will start or 5th as we can't start on Sat. or Sunday but taking a second look at the calender before me I can have it start the second of December which is Sat and leave Friday evening so that's when I'll apply for. According to new order I'll get 15 days plus travel so that sounds good doesn't it.

I have not taken any pictures as yet on this roll of film and if I can't get any more I shall save it so we can get some snapshots. I'll do my best to get another roll so we have two.

My dear that about winds things up so I will close for now. Pleasant dreams.

Truly yours,
Milan