Dearest Folks,
Well, here it is, Saturday night and here I am patiently writing letters instead of cashing in on my liberty. I haven't been feeling up to par recently so decided I'd stay in tonight, write letters and get some sleep.
The navy got in a sudden hurry for radio operators this week and the graduating company went home a week early. Therefore I'm now in the dance band. Last night we played at Bartlett Gym for signal school men. While I was tuning up a fellow saw the Kiski emblem on my horn case and asked me if I went there. We exchanged hellos and he asked me if I knew Hervey Keller. I told him yes, he played tenor sax in the dance band and joined the Air Force at a crucial moment. Well, this fellow also knew Hervey and told me much to my surprise, that he'd died of Infantile Paralysis two weeks ago. Isn't it strange how people find out things? Lots of people have recognized Kiski on my case - Yet two years ago not even I ever heard of it. Today at dinner I overheard someone remark to a buddy about a prep football team in Saltzburg that used to be pretty good. I didn't get a chance to but in doggone it, for I sure would have, had I had the chance. [page break]
I got paid 34 dollars yesterday but am keeping it to help in Christmas shopping. Tell me what Dora's been hinting about and I'll put the navy touch on it.
Dora's, Mary's, and Gaines's cookies arrived safely and in tact. Right now they're just about crumbs. They were really - well, as I said before - I've been under the weather lately, truthfully - they were terrif. I liked the slopes - Dora's cutters?
Radio is still busy & busier. The code is getting plenty fast. I'm going to need help before this code's over, I'm sure.
I'm typing 27 words a minute now. Five ahead of par for the class. In order to get a rate I must type 40 words a minute with 4 mistakes or less. In Code I must receive 22 words a minute, The equivalent of 110 different characters a minute. At present I'm taking 8 - 2 of or par - I'm in the upper 46 out of 250 - but at 10 words a minute I can't seem to grasp it at all. I've got next week though to get it and remain ahead of par by 20 characters.
It's going to be possible to take the V-12 again soon. Yes I am. As soon as I find out when)
Lots of Love,
Bud