October 5, 1944

Dear Milan,

Another nice chat with you today. Milan I surely enjoy reading and re-reading them all. No doubt I'm disappointed about the furlough situation, but somehow I wondered how you could make it home less then 6 months. By the way the army does things it may be changed a couple of times (I'm hoping). As to when I'd like to have you, just as soon as you can make it- is my answer- however for you and your family it would be nice around Christmas wouldn't it or does Christmas mean a lot in your family? It used to us, but every one is gone now it seems (Brothers).

So you think there is a nice moon down there, maybe its what is down there that is nice ha! I best it is lovely I love being near water and tropical places. The question that runs through my mind as I understand Tampa is on the coast- how about it isn't there some shipyards near there? I guess I've become spoiled with the good pay to come down to just half the wage I was getting and truly I work harder now then I did at welding. I guess if I continue my present work I've been doing the past 2 days I guess I'll be getting my walking papers. I don't really care the girl I work under rubs me the wrong way and is driving me, it seems- then my mind gets to wandering. Geo is sensing something I can't seem to figure just what I want to do. I never dreamed it would even need bother me. I've always tried to let my head rule my heart. Better judgment other words. So you say- "you hope to win me over to your side" how do you know you want me? You know a person can change a lot in 3 years what would have satisfied me then won't now. I think that stands with a lot- we all grow in mind and ideas don't you think. I've gained a lot being on my own on the west coast. I loved it, here I'm too much influenced by my folks and don't stand on my own two feet. I don't know whether others are like that or not. I love independence.

Milan tell me just what struck your fancy for me at this time? That is very frank I know I thought I was satisfied- now I just can't be until I see you. Geo can't understand how I could be in doubt after knowing him two years. I am though. Maybe I don't know what true love is.

I know this is pretty dumb to be asking you, but I'm trying to figure out a solution. I hate to string along anyone I don't intend to love always because I'd hate to have it done to me. I have always tried to live up to "do unto others as you wish them to do unto you".

Milan you spoke about brothers- do you have more then "Roody". I've never heard of any more just wondered. Maybe you also have a sister huh! I know I ask rather personal questions just wondered though. It is hard to know just what one will do after the war several things can influence one. That was cute about "saving up coupons to get one of those" ha! ha!

It sounds as though you have a very nice camera, Milan mine is just a cheap one.

About being in the 2nd AF one never could tell they might be sent to a God forsaken place such as Texas or other, I guess it would be worse then Fla. It sounds pretty nice down there. I'm hoping you remain down there if things work out favorable I'd love to see the place, especially if they have some better paying jobs then I'm doing. We all know it won't be after the war.

My girl friend I lived with in L.A. comes tomorrow evening I can't wait to see her.

So you say you enjoy telling others what to do. In a way I hate to take orders especially when I can't do things my own way. Am referring to what job I've got I really have 4 bosses that give me work to do each thinking theirs is more important.

Oh yes Milan Bob Hope was here in Topeka the 1st of the week. He was at the depot for the workers. I had a time seeing him, but I heard O.k. Incidentally he predicted that Eisenhower would be our president in the near future (4 years) I don't listen to any program regular however I've managed to get a small radio lately for my room. It is a pretty good one. I have my name in for a portable sewing machine when they begin releasing them. I want to invest in one I couldn't get a long without a machine of some kind. I'd planned to go to night school and paint some wood plates, etc but they don't offer it. I'd also planned to take woodworks and make a shelf over my bed, but decided not since that would only be one thing. I met the oldest Whitman boy there at the class. He is farming. So I am spending the evening still making over my clothes it seems an endless job. Do you remember Willis Betts, Anna's brother? He was killed near N.J. says the paper.

Pleasant dreams

Yours,

Kathleen.