Got Your Letter From February - March 12, 1945

March 12, 1945

Dear Mother,

I've been reading in the paper were Portsmouth came close to getting a soaking again. They learnt their lesson in thirty-seven I guess. Even at that their new flood wall wouldn't have kept out the water if they hadn't used sand bags. The last I heard they were still dry - but it was nip and tuck.
I wrote a letter to Junior last month. Yesterday I got it back marked - "Not delivered as addressed." I turned right around and put the letter as was in another envelope and sent it to the old address on 14th Street. That should reach him - I hope.
Just received your letter of February twenty-six and seven. I gather from the hints you dropped that you have a little snow and ice. Never fear - it won't last long. - Spring is just around the corner.
If you need any of the cash that's coming your way - don't hesitate to use it. While Dad's getting started around there you might need a little extra.
Say can you get any more paper like this? I could use a couple more pads if you can.
Bob Hope's on the air - so I think I'll listen for a while. Do you mind? If not I'll sign off in favor of the radio.
Love
Kenneth

We Got Hold Of Some Horses - Mar 6, 1945

Germany
March 6, 1945

Dear Mother,

So your having some big snows again. From the sounds of it every place had it's share of of snow this year. We still get flurries of snow off and on. Usually they don't stay on long - thank goodness.
Dad should have an idea by now how well the lights are going to do. What's he think - will he like the new product? I hope he does good with the lights.
Some boys in one of the battalions of our Division got hold of some horses. Now then every time they move up four of the men ride horseback. After a long move the men can't hardly walk after being in the saddle - I think the horses are in about the same shape - They just don't say anything about it is all.
I'm glad to hear Harry Heissinger is home for good now. He probably feels he's done his share - can't say as I blame him either.
Here's a great big bunch of Love to the Register's at home
Kenneth

Our Crazy Stove Pipe - Feb 20, 1945

Luxembourg
Feb 20, 1945

Dear Mother,

Has spring raised it's head yet around there? The natives say spring is just around about here for good - But I don't know. I've got a feeling in my bones that we may see snow again before spring. I hope I'm wrong but time will tell.
Have you heard any more about Tiny? You said in one of your letters that she was feeling bad. I wondered if it was anything serious or not.
I'm sitting here half writing this letter and half listening to the radio. I don't know which will win in the long run. Right now the radio is winning with some darn good music. The barn dance just went off a short time ago.
Now a stove pipe is a strange thing to write about. But everyone that comes into our room comments on it. Anything that gets that much attention should rate a few lines. Everyone sees the great big furnace pipe we have running clear across the room and they want to see our stove. Then they go around the corner of our "L" shaped room. That's when they burst out laughing. The stove is so darned small for all the pipe.
Good night, Good luck, and God bless you
Love
Kenneth

Cold Winter Nights - Jan 18, 1945

Jan 18, 1945

Dear Mother,

Time really flies, strange as it may seem. I no more start looking for a month to begin - than bang - it's gone. Not keeping track of the days has something to do with it. There are days on end when I couldn't even tell you the date or day of the week.
Is every one working at the same old jobs? Come to think of it I seem to be in a rut also. And on the other hand when I see boys sleeping out in snowy fox holes I'm glad I'm in that rut.
I took a few minutes the other morning for a try at a rabbit running around here loose. He's an elusive young fellow. I only got one shot at him before he disappeared in the woods. Better luck next time - I hope.
There is a woman that serves hot milk to me every night at bedtime. Believe me it hits the spot on these cold winter nights. I'm getting all kinds of bad habits. Don't you think.
Love
Kenneth

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

Radio Programs - Dec 20, 1944

Dec 20, 1944

Dear Mother,

Well! Well! December mail is arriving at last.
That must have been some snow you ran into while in Springfield. That's about the biggest snow they have had in a long time.
I can just see Dad on the business end of that shovel. With a "Yo heave ho" - Bend that back - Toss that snow. -Yes indeed, every little bit helps.
I didn't know Jack Gody very well. But I did know they had a place out of town a ways.
Did you find out what Grandad wanted you to come down for. Or did the storm take up too much of your time?
We hear the same persons over the radio that you do - mostly. Bob Hope, Jack Benny, Amos & Andy, Diana Shore, and others. The only difference is that they are transcribed programs we hear or on rare occasions a good program comes over short wave from the U.S. Of course on numerous occasions we have to be content with British programs.
Good night for now. My love to all the inhabitants of the Register residence.

Kenneth