[Letter from AHP to LP]

Friday April 23^rd

1945 [this line added later by LP]

Dearest Paddy:

Just this minute I received a call from the Southern Pacific office saying that they were holding a piece of luggage in San Francisco which had a check to "Mrs. Peter Pauling" in it and could I identify this bag over the telephone. I said I certainly could and told him about the letter which I had written. Apparently Mr. Martin is no good. I was afraid I should have gone over. We have all been doing a song and dance.

We are all well. I have been having a slight fever with my little ^^bladder [this note added by LP] infection - just enough to give me a becoming, youthful maidenly flush. The temperature is nearly normal this morning, and I an sticking to hot milk

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so I expect to be all right in a day or so.

I "graduated" last Wednesday night in my Air Raid Warden capacity. There was a celebration at Wilson Jr. High. I now have my certificate. When I get my First Aid "' and my auxiliary Fire Woman " I'll be an accomplished " at last. I have been busy.

Everything seems to be going long. Miss Uhrlaub [?] called a few days ago for your address which I gave her. I also called on her Saturday. I saw Mrs. Noyes, too, on Wednesday and said we would see them again when you return.

I have interviewed the people in this war employment place. I want to work at the Observatory if I can though. The papers are full of advertisements now for workers for this split shift

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business. I believe only for men, though, but undoubtedly more and more employers will take advantage of that arrangement and women will be eligible, too.

We haven't had guards until today - and there is a beautiful young boy here today - the first one who has had any education. He is singing with the children, he looks so nice and good, like the best boys at Cal Tech. The children are enchanted. Crellie told him about the live shells and Peter is going to return the full box to him. He said it should be returned, dear old little Pete! Linda has a holiday today, too. Good Friday - If I felt more fit we would all go on a binge but I think I'd better stick to my milk diet.

I went to tea with Zeckmeister

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last Sunday - at Mrs. Baileys [sic] - There has been a lot of goings on. I took an examination in First Aid yesterday. Also saw some nice experiments at the fire station. How little women know about these simple facts of combustion. Even Lucia Edwards can't understand why phophorus burns in the air but magnesium burns only at a temperature of 3026° or so. She asked what to do if a piece of burning Mg got embedded in your arm say [sic]. Captain Weitz is just sweet and says "ignition."

I hope you are well and enjoying your good times. Have a good trip home. Give my love to Milton and Dorcas. I hope this reaches you. I think it will.

Love and kisses -

Your soon to be

accomplished wife - Ava Helen Pauling