Showing posts with label Christmas. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Christmas. Show all posts

Tuesday, January 12, 2010

Still Getting Christmas Packages - April 1, 1945

Germany
April 1, 1945

Dear Mother,

Are you joining the Easter parade today? Wish I could say I was, but my only parade will be to these tanks with my tools for another days work.
I'll bet you can't guess what I got yesterday. One of your Christmas boxes caught up with me. After all these months the cookies were still good. The jar of jelly is still good, but the apple was slightly spoilt. The book of jokes from Sardis Breakfast program was good, and of course all stables good are usable. Who know maybe the rest of the packages will get here sooner or later.
This generator of our is acting up. The lights flicker so that it's almost impossible to see. That flickering on and off is rough on the eyes. I'm going to cut this letter off short and try again under more favorable conditions.
Loads of Love
Kenneth

Friday, December 25, 2009

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

Thursday, December 17, 2009

In Belgium - Jan, 1945

Jan. 1945

Dear Mother,

There are times when I wish I had a camera again. I have, in my travels passed through some beautiful country. One place was just like a picture on a Christmas card. A road leading through a woods, unbroken snow on the ground and the limbs of the trees white with snow and ice. It's something not seen in the States very often because the snows come and go too fast. Over here the temperature is more or less stable all winter long.
Thank you for the nice Christmas card.
After careful study I have come to the conclusion that I like the people of Belgium better than those of any other country I have been in sense leaving the States. The people don't seem to be able to do enough for you. They ask nothing in return, only that they be allowed to do everything possible, most of the places we have been will give you most anything but they expect plenty in return.
One family in Belgium invited four of us fellows to eat all our meals at their home. We compromised by eating suppers there. It was surprising what that woman could do with the limited things she had.
There are some things that never will be forgotten and these peoples generosity heads the list.
All My Love

Kenneth

Tuesday, December 8, 2009

Another Year Almost Gone - Dec 26, 1944

Dec 26, 1944

Dear Mother,

Another year almost gone - it hardly seems possible.
Christmas was a nice day - real cold with sunshine. We had a big turkey dinner - without much of the trimmings. We topped this off with a keg of beer. All in all it was about as good a day as could be expected - for not being home.
Also your package containing cookies and candy arrived just before Christmas. I don't believe it could have gotten here at a better time.
Vanita said she sent some packages, but she sent them all to the replacement depot - so it's hard to say just when they will catch up - if ever.
Hows the colds making out this winter? You got a colt in your nose? I hope all of you get by without too many colds. We live outside so much I never know whether I have a cold or if my nose just runs to keep warm.
It's time to say - bye now.
Love
Kenneth

Sunday, December 6, 2009

48 Hours In Paris - Dec 15, 1944

Dec 15, 1944

Dear Mother,

I can just see you fixing up things for Christmas. Who is going to be there this year, all the old crowd? Wish I could be one of them - Yes indeed.
I know what they mean when they say - "How do you expect to keep them down on the farm after they see Parie." I spent forty-eight hours there - and just between you and me they were right. A description of Paris is beyond my ability. In some ways it's like New York but mostly it's just Paris. In forty-eight hours you can do one of three things - Go shopping - Go sightseeing - or Visit the bars. We got there too late in the evening to go shopping or sightseeing.
In between bars we managed to see a number of famous places. Most of them within walking distance of our hotel. Maybe someday when this is all over we can all come over and see Parie together.
I got a letter from Grandad the other day. Am glad to hear he is not staying in the home place alone anymore. Maybe it'll keep him from thinking too much about his health.

I'll bid you all goodnight for now.

Love
Kenneth

Monday, July 27, 2009

In New York - Dec 23, 1943

Dec. 23, 1943

Dear Mother,

How is every little thing at home now? I hope it's warmer there than it is here. It was about five below zero this morning and that's cold after being used to the kind of temperatures we had for the past few months. I don't care much for the south but at least it's better than this ice box here.
I suppose you have been wondering what has happened to me in the past few weeks. Sometimes I wonder myself, but things happen so fast they make your head swim. Just between you and me these New England states aren't all they're cracked up to be. I'll take the middle west anytime.
I saw a show last night that you should see if you get the chance. I don't remember the actors names but it's about a little girl and a news paper reporter. If you get a chance see "Lost Angel" you will enjoy it I'm sure.
Is Vanita and Al going to be down this Christmas? How about the rest of the gang, any of them coming down? If they come down serve them some apricot liquor for an appetizer. If you serve it to them I won't have to drink it when I come home. That's a ____ of a thing to wish on any one but someone has to drink it. I doubt if you have touched any since I got it. Have you?
You can write me at the following address now.
Co B - 126 Ord-Maint. Bn.
A.P.O. 254=% Postmaster
New York, N.Y.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year
Love
Kenneth