31 December 1945

N.Y.

Dearest Mom

I'm very much afraid I've been neglecting you the last couple of days. I've been spending as much time as possible over at Mirsky's in fact Mamma Mirsky sometimes has to be pretty blunt when it comes to telling me to go. But I like Little Reba II more and more. I can't understand why she likes me, though I'm afraid it won't last.

Santa Paula docked Friday, on Saturday we were alerted for a quick trip to the Azors to pick up men from ships damaged by Atlantic storms (which slowed us up three days , by the way) but that fell through, so now we're off until Wednesday, when it will be decided whether we make a trip to Calcutta, Le House, or undergo conversion to carry war brides across the Atlantic. It the last, I'll get a furlong.

Many interesting things happened this trip. India was fun I spent a day and a half ashore. If I don't see you soon I'll write a long letter setting forth my experiences.

New address unless you're sure I'm in N.Y. "USAT Santa Paula, FPO, N.Y." The Fleet Post office sends letters on to our next prot.

I've been enjoying the snowfall here. It isn't cold enough to be perfect, but it's still fun.

I'm going to see Pygmalion tomorrow with Rebsie. Its been open only since Dec 26^th. It should be good. It has Gertie Lawrence and Raymond Massey.

All my love, Mom. I'm glad you're all well. I hope I can see you before too long.

Linus

Later same afternoon

Just been chased away by Mamma Mirsky again Rebsie has a cold that seems to be gaining ground. So I didn't get to see her. Big Reba treats me exactly like a junior adolescent. Not flattering, sometime irritating, but luckily amusing.