Dearest Family,
You no doubt wondered why I didn't call home yesterday. Well, I thought about it several times but was being kept too busy to do anything. You see, yesterday I went out to Wilmot, (where I spent thanksgiving, remember?) with the Wallers - In fact everybody there was a Waller - Three families of them. I had to leave school at 1:00 with the Liberty party, and then meet the Wallers at 1:30.
We drove along a beautiful road by the lake and made it to Wilmot in half the time it takes to go by elevated, or streetcar. Then, of course, Mr. Waller No. 2 made the usual greeting - the firm, friendly pat on the back - and then everybody picked up where we left off on thanksgiving. I knew that they'd want me to play so I took my mouthpiece with me. Once again I had a swell time. The Wallers, all of them, are surely swell people.
Last week I was a real busy boy. Spent twelve hours a day on radio watch and school, and on Thursday had to play with what was left of the swing band for a waves party till after mid nite to boot. I was so tired all week long [page break]
that instead of staying out Saturday night, I came in and went to bed at 10 o'clock. I didn't get up until 10 yesterday morning.
Only two more weekends in Chicago then maybe a little visit in Cleveland. I hope that I can manage about a week or something like that. Then after that maybe a trip to California, New York, Miami, only the navy knows where.
I have credit for 23 words a minute in code, and am doing well in typing. Procedure is average (although we had a plenty tough test last Friday) and theory is taking me for a ride. I hope I can get at least credit for 24 or 25 words in code.
Have Tommy and Harriet found any place in Washington as yet? I hear that the park benches are very comfortable.
I suppose that Dora and Dynamite are making up plenty for those of us who aren't home. Those two can probably cause more damage than all of us kids put together - although that seems like a pretty big statement, knowing Dora - it isn't so big after all.
Say - how about the Vice-president - I'll bet he's making all the Cleveland Trust people toe the mark.
Then, of course, there's milady Yenne. [page break]
Happy Birthday, Mama - No fellow in the world could be so glad, happy, or lucky to have a mother like you. All the Mothers in the world, rolled up into one, couldn't compare with your lovingness, determination to see your children get ahead, thoughtfulness in making things comfortable for them, and all-round kindness. May this birthday be a happy one - and each succeeding one bring all of us closer together - In fact - may the next one or if not it, the next see us together once more - celebrating your birthday as a family.
Lots of love,
Bud