October 19, 1944 — Belgium
Oct 19, 1944 Belgium
Dear Marian
I just got your letter today that was sent the fourth of this month and was glad to hear from you. For a few days now I have had a lot of time to write letters but mail hasn't been coming in so I couldn't think of anything to write about.
That wasn't me in that picture you sent. I don't think my picture could be in the paper because I only remember once when a photographer was snapping us in action. At that time we were building a bridge across a river. I didn't even know that they took it until they were leaving so I probably had my back to the camera then.
We have seen plenty of rain and mud. In the past couple of these? months now I only remember two clear days and I think it rained a little at night.
I didn't get your package yet but I guess I will soon. I'll let you know how it is as soon as I receive it. Yesterday I got two packages, one was from Sarah and the other was a pen and things from Anna. Both packages were in good shape.
You said that the only thing you could send in a Christmas package would be food and cigarettes. What more do you think I would want. The army gives us enough to eat here. There just isn't hardly any variety and I miss a little snack at nights when I'm not doing anything. You sisters have been spoiling me by sending so much.
I hope that the big party you were talking about isn't too far away. Even if this war does end pretty soon I doubt if Buckey and I will be able to get home for quite a while afterwards. When I do get home I know none of the girls will have anything to do with me because I'll look like an old man. The people here now guess my age as over thirty. I must really be slipping.
I still feel good though and have quite a bit of fun even though conditions aren't too good. The people here speak French and now I can speak just about enough to get by on. By the time I get this language down pat they will have me some place where they talk some different lingo.
Lots of things here amuse me. The women carry two pails of milk at a time. They have a curved board that fits on their shoulders with the buckets of milk tied on the ends. The men usually just walk along side empty handed. I guess he gives her hell if she spills a little.
I'll have to close now. Best of luck to you, Nick, and Gary.
Your brother George