September 1, 1944

France

September 1, 1944

Dear Mother, Dad, and Girls,

            Our mail came in last night and we got paid so everyone is happy today. I got your letter of August 18^th and also the Air Mail envelopes. Ha and Rosalie sent twelve Air Mail envelopes in her letter too so I’m all fixed up now. Oh yes, ha, Kenneth sent me eight Air Mail stamps too. I had two letters from Rosalie and two from Mrs. Whitaker with the Copper Era in it. Now I’ve got to get into town and get me some paper to answer them all on.

            These French people are the hand shakingest people that I ever saw in my life. It doesn’t make any difference whether you are shaving or are in grease up to your elbows, these people have to shake hands when they come then again when they leave.

            Another kid and I went to the river to take a bath yesterday. The wind was blowing and it was raining off and on, but we had decided the day before to take a bath if it snowed. It is raining again today and kinda cold. I’m glad you raised so many pretty flowers on the lot. I always loved lots of pretty flowers. It seems funny for Roberta to be going off on wiener roasts with kids by herself, but guess she is gown up.

            How come you started working for J.C. Penney again? You ought to like that old job. I don’t like the idea though Mama. How are you and everything at home Dad? Everything O.K. I hope. Here’s one for the record. I got a letter from my dear Aunt Leona yesterday and nearly died of shock cause I have never as much as mentioned her name in my letters to Elmer. Ha. Wait until I get home I‘ll put that old cow in her place or not get any milk. Some of these apples over here are good eating apples Dad but not many. Some of the damndest arguments take place around here. About half this battery are Republicans and the other half Democrats. Ha. What a time they have. Thanks lots for the Air Mail envelopes.

Love to all
Your son,
Max