24 February 1944
Dear Folks,
I'm back at school now - safe and sound and with all my buttons sewed on - although they are a bit crooked. That is, they didn't get put back in the same place that they originally were. But they are on, and nobody can deny that even if the coat does look a bit awkward.
My gloves and glasses came in Tuesday's mail. I must say that mother was prompt in getting them back.
Maybe I didn't say when I was home that the party was one of the nicest things I've ever been to. You could never imagine my surprise at the sight of the cake and all. That was the first time in my life I'd ever had a cake that was mine - mine even to having my name written on it. You see that sort of thing in the movies. Dora seemed to get a kick out of Happy Birthday cake plate. I wonder what the people around us thought. The first couple of times they didn't mind - but the [page break]
succeeding ten times probably had them nuts. They probably thought we were bragging.
I hope Dora had a big piece of cake later on.
It was swell having Mary home for a while, the first time I'd seen her in six months almost to the day. Incidentally today is the anniversary of my sixth month in the Navy. August 24th to - Feb 24. Tonight I have liberty - I'll go out and celebrate - Paint the town red and all until midnight, then drag myself up to the O.D.'s office and get my pass to the brig. Maybe by the time a couple more six months go by I'll have something to celebrate. Anyway,
It was grand being home again, and I didn't mind the train ride - I mean I didn't feel anything - the old seat (mine) was paralyzed from the first trip.
After saying good by to mom, Gaines, Mary, Veen, Tommy and Tidi I saw Dora and Dad looking in the windows of the train - I was still in the doorway - and tried to get their attention but failed. They sure looked funny staring at the windows as the train pulled out.
Monday night I went to the lecture with Mister Waller. We were a little late - but what I heard [page break]
was very good. Afterwards we had a heart to heart talk over a hamburg and a milkshake. Then I came home.
Tuesday - I saw Tommy Dorsey. I was a little disgusted. His band isn't half as good as it used to be.
They've been announcing some Ice Capades coming - next week, or Follies over the radio here - I wonder if it's the same thing Mary Lou Rolans in?
Well, there's assembly -
Lots of love
Bud.