January 1, 1944

Dear Mom,

I forgot to tell you that it snowed on Christmas Eve. Just a sprinkling that had melted by noon, but it was fun to have snow on Christmas. Unfortunately I missed the actual falling of the snow. That is one phenomenon of nature that I have yet to see.

Today it is raining. I like the sound of water falling from the eaves for some reason.

The doctor hasn't been around yet, probably because he is busy inspecting.

I haven't been able to sample your fruitcake yet. (At least I supposed there was some fruitcake. I had decided to wait til Christmas). All my belongings are held by Supply until I get out of the hospital.

The day room subscribes to the New Yorker and Time, the magazines I am most interested in; but I miss issues sometimes, because I am too busy to go there or because the magazines disappear. I have a little trouble keeping up with the world at war.

Yesterday was payday, and now I have $40. I actually managed to end last month with $4.50 in my pocket. I think that I'll buy a $25 bond this month and see if I can't avoid wasting so much money on luxuries. As usual, it's impossible to tell where it all goes. Mostly for ice cream, chocolate bars, and movies.

The fellows that shipped to college are having some time what with comfortable quarters and girls galore. Not only is the place overrun with coeds, there are 1500 WAVES in training. Of course the poor boys have hardly any time for themselves. But they are Aviation Students, which makes up. I may end up in Denver for armorer school. Then back to Texas on to Florida for aerial gunnery. I wish the army were more efficient. Always we waste as much time as we spend learning.

All my love,

Linus

P.S. Be sure to tell me if I understamp any letters.