I Got A Stack Of Mail - Dec 4, 1944

Dec. 4, 1944

Dear Mother,

I got what you might call an assorted stack of mail. Letters dating anywhere from July to November. I'm not going to try to answer them as individuals.
Probably if I answered a question you asked in July you would wonder what in the h--- I was talking about - Unless you keep carbon copies of your letters - do you?
The two pictures of the place, showing the cliff you tried to climb around, was included in said batch of mail. From your description and pictures I don't think there is a doubt about where I'd like to be - Now and ever after.
I would like to have seen Dad in that gay and loud shirt of his. I can just picture why Stubby got all hot and bothered when he showed up with it on. Next time he should wear the overalls also - if they come in sizes that big around.
You wanted to know if your packages sent to the old address ever caught up. I tried to acknowledge them as they came but might have slipped up a time or two. To date I have received all you mentioned I believe. Thanks for each and every one.
Sometimes this mud she makes me mad. I was driving the jeep down the road when - zoom a truck barrels past. I had to spend the next five miles spitting mud. Now then I have to do a little equipment cleaning - so.
Bye till I get to the bottom of this dirty business.
Love
Kenneth

A Note From France - Nov. 1, 1944

Nov. 1, 1944

Dear Mother,

Mail from the past three months is finally catching up. - A little at a time. Now then I have an idea what goes on back yonder. It helps a lot when writing.
I also received a package of writing paper - with razor blades included. It was very timely thank you.
I am sending, under separate cover, a little something from France. I couldn't find anything for Dad, so I hope he doesn't feel slighted. I keep on the look out and maybe I can pick up a pair of Jerry binoculars for him.
There is also en route to St. Louis by way of the government three thousand eight hundred francs. Or in plain English seventy-six bucks. It should get there someday---.
That's all the dirt I can dig up for now - bye-
Love
Kenneth

Chased By Mail - Aug. 23, 1944

Aug 23, 1944

Dear Mother,

Just received your letter of June seventh. I think the letter got waylaid someplace is the reason it took so long.
Thanks for the piece about the Ninth. I didn't know the fellow that did the walking. But that's the first news I've had from the old outfit for quite some time.
They have finally given us permission to use the address here at this replacement Depot. Had we started using it sooner we would be getting our mail in about ten to fifteen days. Instead the mail chases all over England and ends up by taking thirty to sixty days.
Now that I have a new address I will probably move on to another outfit. That's the way things happen.
That's about all that's new right now. Til later -
Love from me to you

Kenneth

Thanks For The Letters - July 28, 1944

July 28, 1944

Dear Mother,

I received your letter of May 27 today along with about five others of a little later date.
Thanks for the pictures. I liked that one of you - all dressed up in your uniform and no place to go. A little bit more and Dad would have gotten in that picture with Rosalyn. I hate to mention this in public - but Dad and "you" both are getting a bit on the stout side don't you think. It might be better if you left a few of those sodas for me instead of making a pig of yourself.
If Dad does very much riding in jeeps I don't think he will have much to worry about reducing. Especially if the driving is done by G.I.'s on cross country runs.
I sent sixty-seven dollars home by way of government check a couple days ago. That should make a tidy little sum for us to start out on.
Your cruel to me. Talking about sodas and ice cream. They don't seem to know what ice cream is over here. As a matter of fact there is nothing for the peoples enjoyment over here.
Thanks for thinking about my birthday. To be truthful I can't think of anything I really need. There is no sense asking for something I don't need - Everything I own has to be carried on my back so all excess stuff is out. Now a good quart of scotch would be nice but presents like that are frowned upon for some reason or other. Candy is the only thing that is missing to any great extent - but mail takes so long that most candy isn't fit to eat. Take the car and go out to some nice cool place for dinner on me - and make believe I'm there with you. Dad can even eat a double share for me.

That's all for now.
Loads of Love

Kenneth

Somewhere in France - June 24, 1944

June 24, 1944
Somewhere in France

Dear Mother,
Just a couple of lines to let you know that all is well.
I don't know how good the mail service is from here - but I do know that our censorship is a real problem for our bunch. We are short officers to censor mail so each man must hold his outgoing mail to a minimum until things clear up.
Because I can't write as often as would like - don't let that hold up your letters. I am always glad to get mail.
How is the old man making out after his bout with the college? Does he feel any better educated now than he did before? You want to watch that he doesn't start getting ideas about dressing for dinner and such.
Is Puggie still working as hard as ever? If she runs out of work she can come over here and do my cooking for me. By the time I get a meal cooked it's time to start work again and I have to eat in a hurry.
It won't be long now. Until later, Love to all including Stubby,

Kenneth

This Crazy Mail April 1, 1944

April 1, 1944

Dear Mother,

This mail situation is a little mixed up. One day I get a letter written in March and the next day I get one written in February. It's good getting them no matter what order they come in.
I would like to have seen Richard. From what you wrote I guess nobody recognized him. It's been a few years since we swam together.
So Floyd and Eula have a girl. I wonder who she will look like. Black hair or blond that is the question.
I'm going to send some money orders home this coming week. Probably in Dad's name since he is out were he can cash them. Let me know if they arrive or not.
It's a nasty day out, drippy and slushy. It should be a good night to stay in and catch up on sleep.
Until next week so-long and love to all.

Kenneth

My Letters Must Be Hold Up - March 29, 1944

March 29, 1944

Dear Dad,

I'm sorry to hear that my letters aren't going through. I've been writing fairly regular, but evidently the letters have been hold up somewhere along the line. There is no reason to worry because letters are sometimes hold up for security reasons. Given time the mail goes through sooner or later.
I haven't been in a position to send any money home this past month. Maybe I will get a chance soon now. I hope so. That's a good idea getting lumber and have it seasoned. I hope it won't be long before we can start building.
How's things going at the depot? Let me give you a little friendly advise, Don't go giving dimes to everybody you hear ask for them! ha ha!
Strange as it may seem this month is almost gone - so is this page.
Until next month yours sincerely.

Kenneth