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

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

Some Spare Time - Feb 20, 1944

Feb 20, 1944

Dear Mother,

I've got spare time for a change, so will try to answer these letters that came in the other day.
Did Dad get his raise? I sure hope so. Of course it also adds to the income tax. From what I hear that tax is going to give somebody a nice headache.
Do you mean to say you haven't had a cold this winter? That's a little different than usual. Usually you have a cold all winter. Keep up the good work. I'll knock on wood for you.
The watch arrived safe and sound the other day. It seems to run alright. It stopped a couple of times at first buts going right to town now. Thanks to all of you for a mighty fine present.
How did the car run? I suppose it still purrs right along. You never did say what the score was on tires. I didn't think they were in shape to go to Springfield and back.
Vanita's package finally arrived. It sure took it's time. I guess she's a little worried for fear something happened to the package. I'll have to write and let her know that all's well.
If you ever get a chance send me a finger nail clipper. I lost the one I had, and you can't buy them over here.
Don't freeze with all that snow and cold.

Love
Kenneth

The Money In England - Feb 12 1944

Feb. 12, 1944

Dear Mother,

You probably think I'm awful forgetful not writing any oftener than I do. To tell you the truth sometimes you will receive several letters close together and then maybe none for a while. It simply mean that there are times when we are real busy and haven't much time for anything. Other times we have more time to ourselves, and use it accordingly.
Thanks for the box of chocolates. they did a lot of traveling but they sure tasted good. The little Bible was also appreciated.
I got a package from Grandmother and one from Floyd and Eula. The poor things were badly battered from all their travels, but still intact. Vanita's package hasn't gotten here yet, but it shouldn't be long now.
What's new on the place, anything? The grand total should be slowly creeping downward little by little. Have you had a chance to get down that way any more? It would sure be swell if they started work on that dam again. We would be sitting on the high pillar then.
I'm going to have to learn to use American money all over again by the time I leave the British Isles. Over here you always have a pocket full of change. They don't have any paper money less than ten shillings or approximately two dollars. Until you get used to the way they ask for money you might just as well not know the different denominations. They ask for two and six and you wonder weather their crazy or if it's you. but finally you learn that they want two shillings and six pence or about fifty cents. We find the easiest way to learn the money is to play poker with it. That will teach you after you short change yourself a few times.
That's all for now. Cheerio old top.

Love
Kenneth