Just An Idea - Feb 18, 1945

Luxembourg
Feb. 18, 1945

Dear Dad,

How's the job going? Mother says you got a pretty good offer from another plant. Are you considering a change, or have you turned it down?
Anything new on the place? By now it should be under a hundred - right. That's the way we like it.
I've been thinking of something and thought you might have more information than I have. Missouri has some land open for homesteading to veterans. Maybe you could find out if there is anything open around the lake. And if so what provisions they have made. It's just an idea but worth looking into.
How's the old bus working? Still putting around I suppose.
Write when you get a chance.
So long
Kenneth

We Have Hot Showers - Feb 17, 1945

Luxembourg
Feb. 17, 1945

Dear Mother,

Your three little boxes arrived today. The two with the carmels and the one with the pencil. Just a minute and I'll try it out. - Now we'll see how it works. - Not bad, not bad at all.
I finally got my package to you off today. Mostly it's odds and ends of stuff - mostly red parachute cloth. Maybe you can make something for yourself and Puggie or maybe for Linda Lee or Joanna. The cloth is a little dirty but not too bad.
One of the best things over here are the showers they set up. They have shower units in tents that keep right along with the rest of the outfit. All they need is a stream or river, and presto! Hot showers! It's one place you walk into dirty, muddy, and greasy - ten minutes later you walk out a new man. A little bit of hot water makes all the difference in the world.
Did I tell you that Dave's address came a short time ago? I was surprised to hear he was in the O.M. Had I received the earlier address I might have looked him up in person. I have passed his outfit several times in the past.
Thanks a million for the packages. Love to you all.
Kenneth

Thank You For The Valentine - Feb 13, 1945

Feb 13, 1945

Dear Mother,

Thank you each and every one for the Valentine. I have tried to find a card to express myself. But there were none. So to Mother, Dad, Puggie, Grandma, and Stubby - Won't you be my Valentine.
Your box containing books and magazines arrived in good shape. Now then we are all reading again. Thanks to you.
Some of the boys had a bad night. The plaster in our new home was water soaked from snow and rain. During the night heat from our stoves dried it out and as it dried it came loose. A few lucky ones didn't get a face full of plaster. You don't get to laugh at me this time, cause I was one of the lucky ones.
Now I'll close this letter and squeeze it into that envelope with all those bushels of Love I'm sending you
Kenneth

I'll Send That Box Later - Feb 7, 1945

Feb 7, 1945

Dear Mother,

It will be a little time before I get to send that box I spoke of a while back. It's a matter of getting some more stuff of some kind to fill up the box I have. I'll give you a buzz when it's ready to roll.
Dad had better start using that "Y" membership. If he's waiting for me, I'm afraid I'll be a little late. He had better take advantage of my absence to get in shape gradually. It hurts less that way.
Sometimes I almost think my packages were among that ten percent lost due to enemy action. Either that or they are ashamed to be sending Christmas packages so late, and are keeping them.
You know what! I got a letter from Emily Register yesterday. It was quite a surprise, right out of a clear sky. I'll have to answer right away so to you I'll bid goodnight.
Love
Kenneth

All Is Well - Feb 4, 1945

Feb 4, 1945

Dear Mother,

How-de-do and how are you? A couple of short lines to let you know that all's well.
I sent some more money home yesterday. Don't know how long it will be before you get it. At least you know it's coming. It'll be for about forty-five bucks more or less.
So far no more of your packages have caught up with me. I'll let you know when they do.
I have a hundred franc note from Belgium. You can add it to your collection of souvenirs. In case I haven't told you the exchange rate on Belgium francs - it's about two and a quarter cents per franc. A little more than the French franc is worth.
You gotta go you gotta go. So loads and loads of Love
Kenneth

How About A Snow Ball Fight - Jan. 30, 1945

Jan. 30, 1945

Dear Mother,

How you'all this fine day? Come over and we can have a nice snow ball fight. You and I will gang up on Dad. Wee! If Puggie's not busy she might join us. And of course we could let Dad have Stubby for support - That should make things fairly even.
That sounds like good news on the place. It won't be long now until "Paid in full", can be written across that contract. That day will call for a big celebration - don't you agree?
You should see our truck when we make a move. Stoves stick out all over the truck. We have found out that you must come prepared - or else freeze. Sometimes we are lucky and take over places with heat furnished, but usually we furnish our own.
I have some cards to acknowledge, so this is where that eventful little word appears - the END.
Love
Kenneth

Happy Birthday Mother - Jan 25, 1945

Jan 25, 1945

Dear Mother,

A Happy Birthday to you this fine January day. And may you have many more happy ones. How many candles are you putting on the cake this year? The right amount or the usual twenty-five? By the way I have one lit over here you can blow out while you're puffing.
Thank you for the box of bolts. (That's what it said on the end of the box). They were good eating despite that. When you stop to think of it - it's surprising the things I've eaten sense being in the army.
Oh yes! I have a little something to send you one of these days soon. I picked up part of a red parachute the other day. After it dries out I'll rip the seams out and send you several of the strips of goods. I think it's nylon - don't quote me but that's my opinion. I'll let you know when I get it on the way. Maybe you can make blouses, skirts or something in your spare moments.
Once again I bid you Happy Birthday with all my Love.
Now good night, maybe we'll meet in dream land.
So till then Love
Kenneth