April 21
Dear Mother,
I am sorry that you have been so neglected - things seem to be happening so quickly now that the end is coming nearer. Think - in just two weeks I may be home. But we mustn't count on it too much, for the unexpected is the expected where the Navy is concerned.
Just now, all I can think of are the nice letters I have had this week. First there was a long letter from Sieglinde - in something like four months there should be a new baby at their house. She says she is being very careful, and I do hope all goes well now. She seems to be enjoying country social life - church and the grange. I wish I could see her.
Marian [Roose] sent a newsy letter about her garden plans and having you for dinner and all. After the package was sent I found some hand painted wooden [birds? bowls?]. I may bring one home since I did want one nice thing in the package.
Today I came back from shopping after classes to find fat envelopes from the youngsters at school and a nice letter from Mrs. Schneider, too. If I get home I certainly want to see them. If you should call her for school news tell her how much I appreciated them. I know how much work for her it must have been.
This next weekend is closed. That is we must stay to study for our exams. We are tired of working and we shall be glad when tests are finally over.
The weather has been just as bad as Ohio - dark, rainy and cold for the past week. We are all so tired of winter and heavy coats and rubbers. It could be so beautiful if only a few fine days would come along.
Last Saturday morning we had a battallion [?] (I can't spell anything now) review in the rain. We marched and marched about the field without ever managing the proper degree of precision. As a result, I missed the early train for Boston and did not get out to the apartment [sister Peep's apartment in Cambridge] till a little after five. As usual we shopped a little in the evening and then Peep worked while I made a pretense at practicing typing and studying.
On Sunday morning the blue bike came out of the basement and Peep rented another - so we went riding down along the Charles. It certainly is a domesticated little river. We had barely time to dress for church a few minutes late again. We went to King's Chapel where we enjoyed the service so much before.
It was sunny when we came out and so we strolled across the commons because it was too fine a morning to duck down into the subway right away. The bells were ringing and we stopped to admire all of the flowers in the florists' windows. The streets were full of people carrying palms.
What do you think of Peep's returning after June for the next term? If she had a chance to get a full time position somewhere I do not know whether she should consider it or not. She and Ellen and Billy are so well settled it seems a temptation to continue on.
I still feel very shocked by Junior Williams' death. It seems as if so many tragic things have happened since I left home and it has not been so long either.
Last week's Journal looked prosperous. I am curious to see the books, tho - are you getting something out o fit and how much? How about Smith and Allie? Is there any job printing? We went to a printshop here to get the required calling cards - the ink smell made me homesick.
I have meant to write to Grandpa again, but I may not do it. How are he and Uncle Russ getting along? How many lambs by now?
Love,
Caroline
Did you know Audrey's mother has been quite sick again?
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NOTE
Of course, a war was going on; on that same Palm Sunday, "the Palm Sunday Massacre" took place over Tunisia. "The 57th [Fighter Group] downed at least 74 Axis planes (while losing not more than 6) and causing an estimated equal number to crash land to avoid being shot down..... The German army surrendered Tunisia less than 30 days later." Read about it here.
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