Hectic Week end - Sept 9, 1945

Germany
Sept. 9, 1945

Dear Mother,

This has been a hectic week end. I don't know if it's possible or not but I'll try to make my hand and eyes track together long enough to beat out this letter.
Friday night the company had a small party - with cognac, rum, wine, and beer. It shouldn't have been bad but they didn't have enough of any one to last out the night. So during the course of events a little of each was consumed. Boy oh boy! What that does to your head the next morning.
I received your letter of the third this morning. From the sounds of things the advertising business should be good for a while next year. It would be nice if Dad gets some good salesmen trained so he can help us get started producing again.
Things have been happening around Springfield, haven't they? It seems funny Junior with a baby. I wonder which one it will look like.
Too bad about Clifford, but maybe he will think twice before hoping trucks in the near future.
You know it's hard to think of Millie and Roy out of the restaurant business. I wonder will they stay out or is it just wishful thinking. I wish them a lot of luck and hope they can stay out longer than they did before.
Darn but time flies - sometimes. At any rate the rattle of mess kits says it's chow time. We have ice cream and cake today so I can't afford to be late.
So I'll say Good-bye with loads of Love.
Kenneth

We Fixed a Day Room - May 29, 1945

Germany
May 29, 1945

Dear Mother,

Dog gone! according to my calculations the "Sky Ranch" should just about be paid for by now. That's what you call good news. The next item on the program seems to be buildings. As long as we are going to spend time and money at might just as well be spent for something we can use later. Either as a cabin to be rented or a playroom as you suggested.
I have birds singing in my ears. Yesterday I did a little pistol shooting in an enclosed range. The cuncusion in a small room makes the ears ring for two or three days. Of course a little cotton stuffed in the ears helps a lot - but who has any cotton?
How is Dad doing this week? Better than ever I hope. Here's hoping people burn out lots of bulbs.
We have a sort of day room fixed up in the basement of our barracks. The room we took has a bowling ally and a bar. The bowling ally is asphalt and you use a ball slightly smaller than ours, without finger holes. It has to be balanced in the palm of the hand which makes it hard to control.
There is a large element of luck involved because more pins can be gotten by missing the head pin, than if you hit the head pin. Sounds screwy doesn't it? Tis too.
Beer is served at the bar. Sometimes I don't think there is any alcohol at all in the stuff. It can be consumed all night long with no outward effects. Maybe it's better that way - who knows.
All good things must come to an end, so I'll end this letter as of now. Now beware and take care.
Love to all
Kenneth

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

The Money Orders April 25, 1944

April 25,1944

Dear Dad,
I sure am glad the money orders got there in such a hurry. Saving money over here has been easy. Drinking a few beers at a pub is about the only thing there is to do over here. I don't care much for the British beer so once or twice a week is all I care about going to town.
Now that you've gotten a good look at the place, what do you think of it? Does it come up to all expectations? I hope so.
Mother said you might take another job with the government. It would be nice if you did.
Until later good luck
Kenneth

A Short Note Jan 21, 1944

Jan 21, 1944

Dear Mother,

Have you finally gotten over your New Years eve party? I don't have to worry about such things over here. I haven't been able to drink enough beer in one evening to even get feeling good.

I think that tooth I had pulled left a little piece in there yet. There is a sharp point sticking up in the spot where the tooth was. Of course it doesn't interfere with my eating, that's the main thing.

Vanita's package hasn't caught up with me as yet. I'll let you know if and when the packages get here.

Tell Dad to get that tooth of his out or else.

Love

Kenneth