Christmas Afternoon, Saturday
Dear Family,
I’ll start this letter now and finish it after mail call. I can then let you know whether I heard from you or not. I haven’t heard from you yet and since it was under unfortunate circumstances then, I sure would like to hear.
If I were home I guess it would be a white Christmas. It has been raining all day and likely it were at home it would be snow. But instead of that it is cold and miserably muddy here. Not being at home today is about the biggest pill I have had to take yet. I am wondering if you were in a position to get much enjoyment out of your Christmas.
I went to the Christmas church service this morning and felt a good bit better after it was over. We had a big meal at noon and I feel pretty lazy over it. The fellows in my hut have all received packages so we have all had a lot of candy, cookies, cake, etc. to eat.
I have had several different jobs in the last few days. I spent a little time in the kitchen and a part of one afternoon policing up the area. I also spent some time in the supply room. This is a pretty uncertain life but there is no use to worry about it.
This isn’t much of a letter but maybe I’ll feel more like writing and think of a little more to write about later this evening.
Sunday Afternoon
Well I never got my my letter finished yesterday and anyway we didn’t have any mail call. It also looks like we aren’t going to have any today. It is almost supper time and on Sunday’s mail call is generally held at noon.
I went to church gain this morning and I have spent the whole afternoon writing letters. This one just about catches me up. The only trouble with it is if anyone reads anyone else’s letter, it will contain the same news that his did.
Right now while I am not learning anything I can’t help but feel that I am wasting a lot of time. I can’t even improve myself by reading. They sell a few magazines and these pocket sized books sat the PX but they are just junk reading. I wish you would send me a book from the dime store if it is still possible to buy them. I don’t care whether it is a good literature book or a book on some school subject. Just so I can spend a little time that won’t be wasted.
I don’t want to seem to be begging but I need a pocket knife pretty bad and I can’t find one here. I am also finding a lot of use for a watch while leading this kind of life.
There are a lot of rumors going around about the ASTP being discontinued. This wouldn’t have affected me in the other battalion but since this battalion is just beginning a lot of things could happen before the next 11 weeks are over. You don’t need to be surprised by anything.
I hate to say this but when I think about how near I would be through this basic if I hadn’t had a bad break, I have a hard time being very happy.
I hope things are O.K. back there. I hope my letters are coming through alright. I am sure anxious to hear from you.
Keep writing and I’ll do the same.
Lots of Love,
Donald