(A card. On the front;)

A Loving Valentine for my Husband.

(Inside;)

Let all the other gals rave on

About the men they've got,

But I'll just wear a knowing smile

And never say a lot;

Because most anyone who's smart

Can very plainly see

There's one who's far above the rest--

And he belongs to me!

(An additional card within the card.)

(On front;)I miss you

(Inside;)And think of you all the time.

Tuesday, January 23 [1945, from perpetual calendar and content of the letter]

Dearest Paddy;

Today we did all of our errands: the tire, the teeth, the films, the recovered hay from the manger, etc. The starter stuck once but that pleasant man at Lake and Walnut shook it loose for me. They have helped me before at that place. The man at Reids would only make one print each for me. He said the paper shortage is acute.

This afternoon Mrs. Bateman called and in a raphodie voice told me Joan is engaged to that lad from Oregon John Thurwell (?). Joan is very happy as indeed they all are. She received her ring yesterday and only announced it today. Mrs. B. called me she said, in order to be able to tell me the great news before you had the opportunity. She said John had proposed the very day Graham died and that she had waited 29 years for a son and now would have one. She feels that we have had a part, I am glad and hope that this is really a good lad. I had noticed Joan a few days ago and thought how much better she looked and how much her work had improved her.

A long letter came from Lina Weinbaum. She is a funny person all right.

The war is going well again. I hope it is the end this time.

A wonderful letter from Don to Crellie and Linda and of all things, a fine V-mail from Bud to Peter. There was rejoicing! It is interesting how these boys personalities are revealed in their letters. Linda just informs me (I wont help her with her geography - or is it French?)that you have probably found a girl that you like better than me and that you are out with her right now having a heigho time. This find a girl! Knows all the tricks. Wait until she tries crawling in my bed tonight. I felt sorry for her last night so relented from my firm stand of the morning.

Good Night

Your Girl,

Ava Helen

P.S. Linda loves you.