December 29, 1940 Sunday "Now Roosevelt is talking - and he does sound just like Dick"

                                                                                      Sunday

Hi, sweet -

     Here it is Sunday afternoon and this is about the first chance I've had to relax since I got back from Eugene - but time has really been flying and it's sure great to know it's only day after tomorrow when I see you again -  I'm glad I'm coming down to Eugene New Year's so we can start 1941 together - guess a lot of important things are going to happen in 1941, but the most important one is in the month of May - and that, my love, is only a little over 4 months - still too long -
     Played 18 holes of golf yesterday and 18 today - and the new golf clubs are swell, even though I have been having my troubles trying to hit the ball straight -  Have been hitting some beautiful shots every once in a while -
so there is still hope - maybe I can arrange to play some on New Year's Day, providing Karl and I feel like getting out of bed before late afternoon -
     Am glad to hear that your watch is keeping good time - I thought that it might need adjusting after a while, but maybe it is too good a watch for that, I hope --
     Worked until about 11 o'clock Fri - we examined 199 men in less than 3 hours, which shows that things are organized in pretty good shape -
tomorrow nite is the last one for quite a while, and I sure won't be sorry - my other work has begun to pile up on me and the sooner I get at it the better - have to start preparing a bunch of stuff to support our requests to the legislature - so it looks like few idle minutes for me in the next couple of weeks -
     Had to get a new windshield wiper on the car yesterday - cost $2.75 - it's always something -
and I have just added up my gas slips for December and they total $14.44 - anyway, I have been having fun - life is too short to worry about money, I guess, but sometimes I wonder if mine goes in the right places -
     Saw Bob Anet and his Rubenstein gang beat the Oregon varsity last night and it was really a pretty good game - the Rubes looked bad for a while and at one time were behind 18 to 6 - but in the end they were just a bit too smart for the Oregon boys -
     Looks as though I can get off work about noon Tuesday I hope - so I should be down to Eugene about 3:30 again or thereabouts -
Until then - remember -
I love you-
                                                                  Bill

                                                                                  Sunday

Hello, my Sweet -
     6:16 P.M. - And only two more days till I'm seeing you again -  That seems to be all I think about - seeing you, just plain you, and our future - but it's fun -
     The rug is coming along in splendid shape - and I'm already planning another one - but I don't think I'll actually make it -
     Today has been another dry Sunday - I'm sure getting to be an old stick in the mud - Maybe if I go for a walk it will pep me up -
     I hope you didn't have to work too late Friday and that you don't have to work late Monday so you'll be sleepy Tuesday - Anyhoo I shall be very happy when you are here -
     Celorie's due back Monday and oh dear - I hope I don't get mad at him too often - I'm taking Monday morning off to have my picture taken  - cross your fingers and hope I get a good one -
     Gee I hope this rug is going to look O.K.  I can't seem to make up my mind - maybe if after I finish it and put it away and don't look at it - it might look all right - Why don't you bring your pennies down this time - or for sure next time - and we can buy some more dish towels or somepin -  I have about 47¢ - Won't it be fun to really start buying things ?-  From now on we can start buying lots of things -
     Now Roosevelt is talking - and he does sound just like Dick - I sure hope he keeps us out of war -
     I certainly haven't much to say, but you know how it goes -
You know I love you and think about you lot and like to see you -
                                                                   All my love
                                                                   & lots of kisses
                                                                              Dotty

December 27, 1940 Friday

                                                                                          Friday

Hi, Sweetness--

     You know it does seem funny having a holiday in the middle of the week.  I still think that today is Tuesday.

     You can't guess how proud I am of my watch, and it keeps perfect time.  Have called up several times yesterday and today, and it is always right on the nose.  Everyone thinks that it is pretty nice.

     I sure feel lazy, and we still don't have much work to do.  I am glad that you have decided to come up here for New year's and I know that we should have a lot of fun.  I will plan to come to Portland then the weekend of the 25th, and unless something happens I should have some money to spend.  It seems like my Portland trips always peter out, but I'm not giving up hope.  I am looking forward a lot already to your coming down--in fact I can hardly wait.

     Can't figure out why I'm so dopey--I yawn every minute--and sit and dream--and do I ever dream.  Honestly, I hope pretty soon and I start acting my dreams--cause I'm getting pretty excited just thinking about everything.  My lists are growing and growing, and I really have quite a lot of things I want to do.  That is just it--always something I want to do, but have neither the time nor the money to do it.

     Glad you got home O.K.  I always feel kind of guilty when you have to make that long trip back home, but when you have company, I don't mind too much--at least I know that you won't go to sleep.
    
     Think I will have my picture taken one of these days at Kennell Ellis for the Oregana, not that they will put it in or anything, but then if the proofs are any good I will always have them.

     Sorry dear, for this droopy letter, but I do love you and think of you a lot, and can hardly wait to see you again.

                                                           All my love,

                                                              Dotty

December 26, 1940 Thursday

                                                                             Thursday

Hello, sweet -

     Well here it is the day after Xmas already - this is lots of fun having holidays in the middle of the week - I can hardly wait for this weekend so I can go out and play some golf - honestly, dear, the golf clubs are just wonderful -
     By the way, how did the office force of the Monroe Lumber Co. like your wrist watch - hope it's keeping good time -
     Guess what - I am coming down to Eugene again for sure for New Year's Eve - so let's plan on doing a lot of celebrating - I told Karl to write me after he had seen Battleson to see if some kind of party could be fixed up at Bat's -  so I'll know more about that in a day or so  -  it's really been quite a while since we went out with Bat and Frances, hasn't it -
     Took it easy coming up last night and it was rather a pleasant trip - it just rained occasionally and was clear most of the time - we got to Portland about 11:15 -
     Have to go back to the office for a while tonight, but hope to get through in time to go out and see Oregon play some basketball at Portland Univ--
     Tomorrow night I will be working till about midnight again - and also next Monday night, so I will be ready for a vacation again New Year's Day -
     The candy and walnuts are being consumed pretty rapidly - I am eating more than I should, but they are awfully good -
     Gotta go now, dear - hope I get a nice long letter from you tomorrow -
                                                                 All my love,
                                                                             Bill

December 22, 1940 Sunday "took my dad for a ride in and around a few of the scenic spots of Portland"

                                                                             Sunday nite

Hello, sweet -

     How are you coming along with your waiting-for-Xmas - can hardly wait for the next 48 hours to pass and then I'll be in Eugene with you -
     This is going to be short and sweet on account of it is almost 7 o'clock and I think the mail is due to go out then, although you can't tell much about it, what with the Xmas rush - Went out last nite with Karl, Von, and Glen and ended up at the Actor's Club drinking whiskey sours - tsk -tsk -
Played golf this morning - the weather was great, but my golf game wasn't - Wester won practically every hole from me -  This afternoon went visiting and also took my dad for a ride in and around a few of the scenic spots of Portland - lots of people are decorating their front yards for Xmas - should look nice at night -
     Tomorrow nite will work again till about midnite - Friday nite we finished about 11 o'clock, but there are going to be about 200 examined tomorrow and we'll be lucky to finish by 12 --
     Well, sweetheart -  looks as though I should get into Eugene about 3:30 Tuesday - and hope you're home ready to welcome me with open arms -
                                                                    All my love,
                                                                             Bill

December 20, 1940 Friday "No wonder they all have big, broad shoulders!"

                                                                                     Friday

Hello, again, puddin--

And again we aren't.busy and the time is going by so ---- slow.  It certainly sounds like you are a busy little person.  Don't work too hard and get all run down and so forth.  I feel very ambitious lately but don't have a lot to do.  And getting caught up on all the little things that I have kept putting off to do.

Is it raining up there?  It is here, started last night and has kept up a steady stream and doesn't look like it is going to stop.

Since we got the tree decorated, it doesn't look bad at all, except that it is way too big for us.  But then we do have a big room and it makes it a little bit cozier.  There are a few presents under it, which are mostly all for you.  You lucky person.  Karl came over and got the things for Aunt Edna.

Tore up your coat last night and had quite a time.  I didn't know that men's coats had so much padding in them.  No wonder they all have big, broad shoulders!  So guess I will start working on the rug again.  Guess what?  I am going to make a berry pie sometime this weekend.  It will be fun and I hop it tastes good.  Do you like berry pies?  Best I get in practice if you do.

Merry Xmas and Happy New Year and hurry down here on the 24th.  I am quite sure that I won't have to work that afternoon.  Mac is planning to leave early and everyone else here wants to, too.  If not, I still have an afternoon off coming, so shall take part of it then.  Will you get here around 3:30?  Let me know so I can be there to greet you at the door.

                                                   Lots of love and kisses
                                                              Dotty

December 19, 1940 Thursday "I have also learned that I won't be in the army before July 1 anyway"

                                                                                  Wed.-

Helloo, helloo, helloo -
     And how's my little sugar plum this happy Friday?  No more big Xmas trees for me till we have ten kids - Ours now will be pretty when I get thru putting all the tinsel on it but it has taken hours - and it's way too big for us -  Merry Xmas -
     Are you still working hard?  We haven't been at all busy-  Celorie is still in the South and I found out for sure today why I don't like working for the Monroe Lbr. Co.  The sooner I can quit the better -
     Jimminy I really haven't much to say - Didn't do a thing today except go to work, come home eat dinner, decorate the tree, think about you, write to you, and go to bed -
     Have made a nice long list of the absolute essentials we will need to start house-keeping - so we can buy some more things with our pennies.  I have 41 or 42 now -  A week from now you'll be on your way back to Portland - Oh unhappy day -
     My table's a mess again - And I just straightened it not so long ago -  But when I finish my rug I won't have any junk lying (?) around -
     Is Mr. Couch better? - Certainly is bad how everyone is getting the flue - please don't you get it -
                                                                   Lots of love & kisses -

                                                                                     Thursday

Hi, sweet -
     How are you coming along with the Xmas rush - just 5 days now - and they can't go too fast for me - although at that this last week has been the fastest I have seen yet - hope it continues.
     So you think you might have just a faint idea of what I might be getting you for X mas, do you -  maybe -
Anyway, I'll tell you what I'll do -  I'll let you see the package and give you 10 guesses and you'll probably need at least 5 - so - now do you know -  anyway, it is awfully pretty, and I know you'll never get anything like it before or since or again --
     In the course of my dealings with the selective service headquarters regarding the physical exams at the Medical School, I have also learned that I won't be in the army before July 1 anyway -  from the way things are going my number would probably be called about a year from now - providing we don't get into a war before then -  By the way, Mr. Couch is certainly worried about the situation - he is a captain in the reserves and they are being called out right and left -  Don't know what the Medical School would do without him -
     Your Xmas tree sounds all right to me -  How much room does my gift take up underneath it?
     I am sure getting into a lot of night work lately - what with these physical exams - and tonight I have to go out on the east side and try to find this fellow home and sell this house that the Medical School owns -
     I sure haven't been getting my exercise lately - haven't even seen the "Y" this month, and I think I'll let my membership lapse after this month -  If I can ice-skate once a week and golf once a week that should be enough -
     Am going to mail out all my Xmas cards tomorrow - had Karl send me a bunch of addresses in Eugene, so the Chancellor's Office will be well taken care of -
     By the way, if you call up Karl about having him bring something up to Portland for you, would you tell him to tell Mr. Byrne for me that I won't be down to Eugene until Tuesday afternoon, also that I will call him up on Xmas day, if he is there -
                                                            All my love,
                                                                 Bill

                                                                          Thursday--

Say, Dear, you haven't got the flue have you.  No letter yesterday and none so far today.  Maybe you have been busy, though, and I don't mind too much, but I am just worried.

The time is sure going slow.  I think we are going to get Tuesday afternoon off anyway, or part of it at least.  So I shall be looking for you.  Finished all my buying today, and have 25¢ left till the first.  Woe is I.

Karl is going to pick up my things this evening to bring to Portland, and can you and will you, dear, take them to Aunt Vesta's or Aunt Edna's for me.  Aunt Edna has moved now to 3923 S.E. Taylor.  It would probably be closer to go to Vesta's.

Oh joy oh gladness--we certainly aren't busy--have just been sitting around all day doing nothing--and I mean nothing.  But now took some notes from Mac which it will take me about 10 or 15 minutes to finish.  And still I haven't much of anything to say.  Nothing exciting ever happens to me--just bad luck.

Happy New Year and goodbye for now--till tomorrow.

                                                                    Lots of love and kisses,
                                                                                  Dotty

December 18, 1940 Wednesday

                                                                          Tuesday

Hi ho and merrio-

     Today is only Tuesday and it seems like it ought to be Friday - But only one more week till you come up -
     We're putting up our tree tonight - and it's really quite - big - Guess we shouldn't have such a big one, but then we do have lots of room -
     My rug isn't coming along very far, but when I do start working on it again it won't take long -
     I am very much in the dark as to what you are giving me altho I do have a teensy itsy weensy idea - I might be wrong - And I know you'll never guess what you are getting .
     It's a lot warmer today and I don't think it'll freeze tonight - Sure have had fun filling "damit" up every morning -
     Wow when I look at the tree I see it's sure going to be a job to decorate - Glad Paul is here to help - He's out buying some lights now -
     Glad to hear you're being kept busy at the office -  Keep's one out of mischief you know! -  So far have been pretty lucky keeping away from the flu - Guess it's not so bad in Eugene - Darn, I do miss you a lot - If you only knew - About all I think about is the future -
                                                               All my love

                                                                           Dotty

                                                                                 Wednesday

Hello, sweet -
     You probably didn't get a letter from me today - but I meant well even if I didn't write - anyway I have been working fast and furious all day yesterday and today -  yesterday I got up to the Medical School at 8:30 and worked straight through until 11:45 last night, with about 15 minutes off for lunch and about a half-hour for dinner, which I ate at Doernbecher - it was some fun too - and I was a tired little man when I went to bed - and this morning I was back up there at 7:30 - took two trips downtown today, and had about a half-hour conference with State Commander Beckwith of the Selective Service -
     And then tonite I have to go out on the East side and see about selling a man a house - From all this you can see that time is going by pretty fast for me this week, which is good, also that the work is interesting, which also is good -
     The next couple of weeks ought to be fun, what with seeing you and having a couple of holidays to celebrate together, and just have a couple of holidays period.  From what I have learned so far I won't have to work more than half a day the day before Xmas and New Years - So - next Tuesday I will probably get down to Eugene about 3:30, I hope - will you be working then, I hope not, or what -
     Your skiing sounds as though you didn't do much - just like up at Mt. Hood, where only the ice-skating was good - maybe this year there won't be any snow either, but I won't care as long as the Ice Coliseum stays open -
     Got a letter from Karl today - and he is coming up to Portland this week just like you said - maybe we will play golf together Sunday - by the way, I am going to give him a couple of golf balls for Xmas - he's not getting me that, is he - I hope - Oh yes Karl also told me that the annual Xmas party for the Chancellor's Office was going to be held at Mr. Byrne's house Monday evening, and Mr. Byrne wanted you and me to come - but I guess I better write and tell him we can't do it, on account of I won't be there till Tuesday - maybe we can arrange to go over for a few minutes on Xmas day -  I think maybe I could come down Monday except there is another physical exam Monday night and I'll probably be working until midnight again-
     If you send anything up with Karl to your Aunt Vesta or Edna I shall be only too happy to deliver them for you - so go right ahead -
     I have about a hundred and fifty things I want to talk to you about and it's still another week until I see you - this waiting isn't so good - and all the time I am getting more and more curious about what sort of a gift you have for me - so next Tuesday can't come too soon for me ---
                                                                  Love and kisses,
                                                                              Bill

December 16, 1940 Monday "flu...widespread...they closed all the Portland Schools today until after New Year's -"

                                                                           Monday

Hello, Light of my Life--
     Did you miss me this weekend?  I certainly did miss you, in fact I even dreamed about you last night.  The first time for quite a while.
  
     We did go skiing even though the papers reported that it wasn't any good, and they were right, but we had lots of fun.  Went up to Hoodo and hiked about 2-1/2 miles into Three fingered Jack.  Then we built a big fire to keep warm by, but the snow was hard as a rock and it hurt when you slid down it.  And the wind was blowing a cold, icy blast.  They have a very nice lodge at Hoodoo, where you can stay overnight and everything.  We were the only ones up there, besides the people at the lodge, the man and his wife.  We did have a good hike.  Did you go ice-skating much?  There was a big lake up there, too, that would be perfect to ice-skate on.  In fact someone did ice-skate on it yesterday.  When we were coming back they had a big bonfire going.  And I'm not very stiff this morning.  Just my shoulders where I carried my skiies, and my legs a little bit.  But then I didn't do a lot of skiing.  Sure slept good last night.

      Guess what!  Got 36 pennies saved up.  Collected a lot Saturday.  Do you know what?  Went thru $50.00 in about two hours and haven't anything to show for it.  Didn't get a thing for myself except some Kleenex and some adhesive tape.  That's the way the money goes.  Have you got lots of pennies.

     Only a week and a half till you come tripping up to Eugene and charm the town with your personality.  I can hardly wait to see what you have for me, and I really can't guess from the description you gave.  I won't tell you whether yours is big or little, etc., that would give it away--but I will say it is awful pretty.  And I know for a fact that you will like it.

     It's raining today, which means that it might be warming up.  Only hope it doesn't freeze.

     What time do you think you will be a coming to Eugene and what time will you arrive.  I am entitled to an afternoon off to do some shopping in and thought maybe I would take the 24th-- that is a couple of hours.  Save the rest for the 31st.  But if you wouldn't get here till five or five thirty anyway, I would take a few hours off in the morning.

     Karl is coming to Portland this weekend, and If I sent a few things up with him could you take them to Aunt Edna's or Aunt Vesta's for me?  There won't be many things.

     See where you're taking full advantage of Leap Year, and guess it's all right.  Anyway it is no fun just sitting home every night--I know.

     Am going to make this tonight with the company mail so you'll be sure to get it tomorrow.  Remember? I love you-- and can hardly wait till you come up.

                                                                              Dotty

                                                                                  Monday

Hello, sweet -
     Sounds as though you are having lots of fun doing your Xmas shopping - most of mine is taken care of, but I still have a couple of little purchases to make - by the way, do you have any idea of what I'm getting you or are you as much in the dark about it as I am about yours -
     Betcha you didn't do much skiing yesterday - if the wind was blowing like it was in Portland it wouldn't have been much fun, even if you had some snow - gosh darn it, I wish I was down there so we could go skiing together sometime this winter -
     Golly, have I been working today - it really looks as though this is going to be a heavy week - there is an awful lot of work connected with this physical exam tomorrow nite and Mr. Couch is letting me handle most of it -  also both of the secretaries are in bed with the flu, so today I was answering phone calls also - but it sure makes the time fly and it's certainly not dull -
     Just think - only one more week until I'll be taking the road to Eugene again - have an idea this is going to be a Christmas we'll remember for quite a while - and listen, dear, do you realize how close it's getting to 1941 - I can't wait - in just a week the days will start getting longer again -
     My cold is practically non-existent today - although I do have a little headache, don't think there is much danger of my getting anything serious - excuse me while I knock on wood - Practically everybody at the Medical School has had a touch of the flu so far, and it seems to be fairly widespread, on account of they closed all the Portland Schools today until after New Year's -
     Still don't know about New Year's, but we can talk that over when I am down to Eugene -   Also, I was looking at the basketball schedule, and I am going to try to be in Eugene the same weekends as there are games -  there are only 3 Saturday games in Eugene - anyway, the 11th of January is the first one, so let's plan on going - talked to Von yesterday and he thinks he might go down then too, providing he can get Dotty Lou to go down too -  Oh, yes - she is not going to be here New Year's, but Von has another date, and maybe we can get together for a party or something anyway -
     By the way, where did you get the DU stationary - don't tell me I gave it to you either ---
                                                                           Love and kisses -
                                                                                   Bill

December 15, Sunday

                                                                                     Sunday

Hello, dear -

     How was the skiing today - or did you go?  According to reports there is practically no snow in Oregon anywhere except at the top of Mt. Hood, so I hope you managed to find some -

     Honestly, it seems like years since last weekend - will sure be glad when Xmas time comes around again and I can start down to Eugene and you - by the way, how is my present - is it big or small, black or white, beautiful or practical, or what - yours is all of these things - but you'd never guess what -

     Went ice-skating this morning again with Von and the ice was really perfect - I'm getting so I can stop and turn and everything now- we are waiting for Laurelhurst Lake to freeze over and then we can go there - should be fun -

     We were going to play golf this afternoon but it was just too damn cold - and an east wind was blowing right off Mt. Hood about a hundred miles an hours - so we took a nap this afternoon instead -

     Went down yesterday afternoon and got all my X mas cards and the rest of my presents - didn't do much shopping this year except for yours - also I worked awhile yesterday afternoon - isn't it remarkable -

     Guess what - sweet - I had a date last night - although it was rather unofficial - anyway, I talked a couple of the gals here at the boarding - house into taking me and Moser down to the movie and it was pretty good fun and didn't cost us anything - saw the Marx bros - and they were really crazy -

     I am still on the verge of getting a cold but it hasn't hit yet - although my nose is till trying to run -
     Have you made any progress toward selling your car yet - it would help if you could sell it before you had to purchase a new license - I just put mine on today, besides spending half an hour polishing the car, and it looks kinda smooth again -
     Well, dear, hope the xmas mail doesn't interfere with you getting this tomorrow - and if it doesn't, you'll still know I'm thinking of you and loving you -
                                                              Bill

December 14, 1940 Saturday

                                                                                     Friday

Hello, puddin-
     How you like the envelopes?-  in cleaning out my things I discovered them and they are usable so didn't want to throw them away - Have about ten or eleven to use up -
     Tomorrow, I think, I am going to have fun -  can't work so am going downtown - got paid plus $5 or $6 more so am going to spend it all - have an appointment with the dentist at 9:00 and from then on!!-
     You have me very, very curious now - What with Christmas and now you have another surprize - If I don't find that the time goes faster than it has I'll just die-
     I am going skiing for sure -  Anet himself called today - We're leaving Sunday at 8:00 and altho the snow won't be good we should have fun - Anyway I shook the moths out of my ski pants and greased my boots - Tomorrow I'll wax my skiis a little.  To make everything perfect, you should be here.  It is going to seem awful funny without you -
     Please gargle or something cause I don't want you to catch the flu - I don't like to think of your catching it and being sick - I know two things you're getting for xmas - my present and Karl's - and- I bet you will be surprized.  I am quite sure you could never guess cause mine isn't what you think it is - Paul is going out Sunday to get us a tree and some mistletoe(?).  You'll have a legitimate excuse to kiss me then - that is if you want to -
     I certainly feel ambitious tonight - finally finished my knitting - and just in time - Mom became a great grand-mother Dec. 10 - and I have just another cousin - about the 13 or 14 -
     Darn wish you were here -  The moon is very, very beautiful - Melba has been raving about it all day - and tomorrow is the full moon - Am glad to hear Dotty Lou and Bob are going out now and them -  Please tell her "hello" for me if and when you see -  Maybe we could do something with them on New Year's -  I shall be very glad to do whatever you want to -  Sooo - from now on it's up to you -
                         Remember? -  I love you -
                                                          Dotty

Found 2 letters I missed before

I just found 2 letters dated March 10 and March 11 1940, that were out of order in the box, from Dotty to Bill, while he was in Portland for a meeting.  There was already a letter from him to her dated March 11.  I added these 2 letters to the March 11 1940 post that was posted Dec. 9, 2009, so you can go back there and read them.

December 13, 1940 Friday "We certainly have a swell view from the Medical School every day"

                                                                                  Thursday -

Guess what, dear, I love you and miss you and wish you were here - but today is Thursday already - only this week is going very, very slow and next week will go slower -
     I think maybe I am going skiing this weekend - In a round about way - thru Karl, I heard that Bob Anet called me at the office yesterday, when I was out to lunch - but he didn't call back -  Then today Frances called and said we were going - So I don't know -  But anyway I'm going to get my boots waxed or greased - Will probably be awful stiff Monday - think I'll do a few sitting up exercises between now and this Sunday.
     It's still freezing weather here but Jezzy's still running, and best she keep it up -
     Just washed my hair, and it should be awful clean - Soaped & rinsed three different times - then rinsed & rinsed - I'm going to start taking better care of it - cause I really haven't treated it very good lately -
     Sounds like you'll be a busy little man this week - Please don't catch the flu - I'm so proud my Xmas things are just about all purchased and made & Xmas cards addressed - what few I'm mailing - And do you know we got each other's on the same day?-
     Dear, it's awful cold outside and I probably won't mail this tonight .  Went out last night and froze an ear - but I love you anyway -
                                   Lots of kisses
                                            Dotty

                                                                                                               Friday

Hello, dear-
     How did you get along on Friday the 13th - hope nothing unlucky happened to you - the only bad thing that happened to me today was that I didn't get a letter from you - but maybe it's the fault of the mail - have a hunch we both may be having letters delayed between now and Xmas -
     Haven't been feeling too sharp today - still am on the verge of a cold and my throat is rather sore, but I'll be all right in a day or so, I hope - anyway, I am planning to go ice-skating and play golf Sunday -
     How are you coming along with your little wool rug - is it a yard wide yet?  I'm anxious to see how it will look when it's finished, but I imagine it will be pretty smooth -
     Gosh, I sure wish I were coming down to Eugene again this weekend - certainly seems like a long time since I saw you last - hope the 9 shopping days between now and Xmas go fast -
     Called up the draft board and got my order number today - it is 1689 - and they have sent out about 750 questionnaires so far - from all appearances I'm due about next summer - right now they are only taking unmarried men without dependents, and according to the papers that exempts about 3/4 of those who registered -
     Mr. Couch and I have been having a lot of fun arranging the set-up and plan for the physical examinations.  According to present plans, we are going to examine about 150 men a night on Dec 17, 20, 23, and 30th, so it looks as though I'm going to spend a few more evenings up there - spent most of the day today drawing a floor plan and a bunch of signs, but it's rather interesting-
     Hill and Von have been trying to talk me into getting a date this weekend and going out with them, but they haven't had much success - guess I just don't want to go out with anyone but you -
     This weather up here is really cold and clear.  We certainly have a swell view from the Medical School every day - just another reason why I hope we can find a place to live on Marquam Hill - would you like that -
                                                         Love -
                                                            Bill

December 12, 1940 Thursday

                                                                                           Thursday

Hello, sweet -
     This is liable to be short, but I hope it's sweet - anyway, have to go back up to the Medical School and see how they are coming along with the physical exams for the draftees -  Worked until 5 minutes to 6 tonite so it's going to be a rather full day -
     Are you having lots of fun doing your Xmas shopping - and won't you even give me a hint as to what you got for me - I'm getting more curious all the time - I'm going down Saturday afternoon and finish what little shopping I'm doing - then after I get my Xmas cards I'll be all set -
     Have a feeling I'm getting a cold or the flu or something, just like everybody else - woke up this morning with a sore throat , but haven't done anything about it yet -
     Have been wondering about New Year's Eve up here - Have you any suggestions as to what you want to do - every place will be pretty well packed and the cover charges are pretty steep, so I haven't planned anything yet - but as long as you're here, we can't help having a good time -
     The weather up here is really getting cold too, but I don't mind it - it's sure a good thing I have anti-freeze in the car - and you better be careful about your radiator, cause it's pretty expensive if it freezes up - by the way, I fixed the lock on my car door with the aid of a little oil -
     By the way dear, I have a very special surprise for you Xmas, besides your present - can hardly wait to see you -
                                                                             All my love,
                                                                                    Bill

December 11, 1940 Wednesday "Jezzy froze up a little last night "

                                                                                  Tuesday

Hello again, sweetheart -
     Another day gone by - and tomorrow's Wednesday - two more week till we see each other again - And believe it or not I think I've decided what to give everyone for Christmas except Wava, I even know what I'm going to give you - And I don't think you can guess -
     Your letter was not screwy it was very sweet - I'm sorry about your eyes and the silly old fog - It had best not happen again - I felt all right Monday but I should have - not driving 125 miles - It's just about 5 more months now.  Guess Bot was pretty good to win in the Bowling and I will try to find out when he is getting married - if and when I see him.
     I was certainly ambitious last night - finished a towel - fixed a clove apple and even knitted a little bit - But as I've said before - it's best to get things done when I'm in the mood or I don't get them done at all.  - I am anxious to work on my rug again, but want to get the Christmas stuff finished first - Then watch the rug grow-
     Gotta hurry cause Paul is going to mail this for me - Celorie called today from Bakersfield - and we all listened in.  It seems that Mrs. "C" is ill and they'll be there for almost a week -
     Wow, seems as if you have a job being there all the time while the fellows take their physical -  Tell anyone I know "hello" - or something if you see them-
     Goodbye now - and remember me - as I love you -

                                                                        Dotty

                                                                            Wednesday

Hello, sweet -
     Hope you didn't mind too much not getting a letter from me today - it doesn't happen very often - had a little project to finish for Mr. Couch last night after dinner, and when that was finished, took several of the kids here at the boarding house out to the Ice Coliseum, so really didn't have too much spare time - by the way, I was kinda disappointed yesterday at not getting a letter from you, but two of them came today so now I am happy -
     So you have the Xmas situation well under control - that is good news - by that time I will be pretty curious as to what you are getting me, but I suppose it won't be much good to ask now -  However, I have gone you one better - I actually went down yesterday and bought your gift, and if I do say so myself it is really beautiful, and you won't guess what it is either -  I certainly hope these next two weeks pass quick, so I can surprise you - that is, if I do-
     Have been working fairly hard this week - Mr. Couch is at home with the flu, so I took some papers out to him to sign this afternoon and we sat around and talked for a while after that - Oh yes, I have to work tomorrow nite too - they are giving some physical exams for the draft and I will be on hand to see how it works - the first time should be pretty interesting -
     Am going down to the morgue tonight and beat Hill in some ping-pong - guess Von will be there too -  By the way, guess who Von is taking out nowadays - Dotty Lou Hanan, who is up here going to business college or something - he took her out Monday and has a date with her Saturday, so maybe it's a romance - he never could stay away from the Alpha Chis anyway, and after all, that's a pretty good idea anyway -
     Had lots of fun skating again last night - am really getting pretty fair now - I hope - saw Marionbeth Wolfendon out there - besides several other Oregon kids -
     Gosh darn it, cant wait to see you - and it's still two weeks - you know - it's getting harder and harder waiting for these weekends when I can see you - wish something could be done about it, but guess I will just have to be patient and just keep thinking about you - and how much I love you -
                                                                                 Bill

                                                                             Wednesday

Hello again sweet -

     Another day gone by - And tomorrow is Thursday - Boy it has certainly been freezing weather here - And we went steaming down the hiway today - You see Jezzy froze up a little last night - but nothing serious happened -  And it's freezing again tonight only I completely drained the car - I got your Christmas present today!!! - And a couple others - In fact most of my shopping is done - Thank goodness - cause it's costing me more than I thot it would - but it's fun - It's a good thing I'm not down town every day or I would be much more in debt than I am -  Will be finished very soon with my knitting and then I can start on my rug again in earnest - 
     Got mom an awful pretty blouse - maybe next spring she'll get a nice suit to wear it with -
     The super varsity are playing tonight - but guess I'm not going -  My nose sure gets red these days - the circulation must be awfrul poor -  Will probably turn into an apple one of these days - We've got another box at the office - and they're really good - we've got them in the woodshed where they'll keep cool.  I ate 3 great big ones this afternoon -
     Goodbye now dear and lots of kisses -  Merry Christmas -
                                                             Lots of love
                                                                  Dotty

December 10, 1940 Tuesday

                                                                                       Monday

Dearest -
     Did you get home all right?  And I hope you weren't too tired this morning - You don't know glad I was that you came up - And already I can hardly wait till the 24th and the 31st when I see you again - then it will be 1941!!!
     Yep - I knitted after you left and the pants are almost finished - (Mom's cracking some walnots and I'm eating as fast as she can go along) - I finished one of the towels tonight for Helengray and it's really kind of cute - Guess I'll make some more for our hope chest - But best I start to study one of these days - and I will - We didn't work so hard today - It's kind of quiet with Celorie gone - and I'm not sorry -  Guess I'll go to visit Helengray - tomorrow night - she's all by herself now - I even feel kind of ambitious these days - but I still day dream a lot - even when I'm taking dictation - it's a funny feeling when I'm typing my notes and can't remember having taken them.  One of these days I can work on my rug - it's right here in front of me all the time so I can see it -
     Guess what, dear, I can't think of a lot to say but I miss you and will most certainly be very happy when we are together all the time - I do love you very much -
                                                                               Dotty -

December 9, 1940 Monday "...I have driven it 5,750 miles in 5 months"

                                                                                  Monday

Hello, sweet -
     How was blue Monday this week - did you miss me much already, I hope -
     Had quite a trip up to Portland last nite - it was just exactly midnight when we got here, which I really thought was pretty good, considering we came through a thick fog all the way from about 8 miles the other side of Salem - and it was really thick - could only see about 10 or 15 feet of the yellow line and that was all - it was kind of spooky driving as it almost seemed as though we were floating in a cloud or something - anyway, it sure didn't do my eyes any good - they have been bothering me ever since and one of them still looks red - but I guess they'll be all right as soon as I get a good night's sleep -
     I sure hated to crawl out of bed this morning, but it wasn't so bad and I got up - wore my new suit to the office today just to help me feel better, and it worked all right , as I received several compliments on it -
     Speaking of suits, how are you coming along with your rug and tearing up my old coats - I looked around my closet for some more old rags but I am going to wear them awhile before I give them to you -
     All the physical exams for the draftees are going to be held at the Medical School beginning in a week or so - on Wednesday nights - and Mr. Couch and I are going to be there each time to see that things are being done right or something - so I guess that will take care of some of my spare time in the evenings from now on - the exams will last from 7:00 till 11:00, during which time we hope to take care of 75 to 100 men -
     Battleson seems to have done all night bowling in Marshfield - his team won the state 5-man championship, and he finished 7th in the state in singles, which is pretty darn good, as there is lots of competition there - however, I'm going to kid him a bit about his score in the doubles - he rolled a 496, which only averages about 165 a game -  it's a good thing the rest of the team was hot - in the singles he had 612 - or 203 per game, which is more like it - you might congratulate him when you see him - also ask him when he is getting married -
     Well, my car passed the 40,000 mile mark today, and just for fun I figured out that I have driven it 5,750 miles in 5 months, which averages 1,150 miles per months, or 287 1/2 mi. per week, or 38 1/3 mi. per day, since I got it, which is too much, on account of it 20 mi. per gallon, which I don't get, it used 287.5 gallons of gas, or about $60 worth -
     This is kind of a screwy letter, but I just don't feel sharp tonite - so please forgive me - and I do love you -
                                                                                    Bill -
    

December 6, 1940 Friday "What a life, what a life, what a life.--"

                                                                          Friday,

Bill, Darlin'--

My heart is broken cause I'd counted so much on coming to Portland this weekend, and then when I got your letter this morning and a card from Aunt Edna asking when to expect me--I felt even worse.  Darn it--why do things like that have to happen to me.  My eye is still swollen today, but it doesn't itch like it did, so probably tomorrow it will be all right.  But darn it, yesterday it was sore as could be and was swollen shut all morning. Now I wish I'd come anyway, but it's too late.  What a life, what a life, what a life.--

I am writing this at work and will mail it at six and then maybe you will get it Saturday morning.  I Hope--

You should see the huge stove that they have out here now.  Big as a furnace and as hot when it's full of wood.  And I'm right in front of it.

I am going to miss you an awful awful lot this weekend and know I'll regret not coming to Portland.  But please think of me once in a while and remember I love you.

                                                                                 Dotty

December 5, 1940 Thursday "...and you've never been anything but beautiful "

                                                                                     Thursday

Hello, puddin'

Well, it's happened--  My eyes are swollen worse and I don't think they will be in shape for Friday or Saturday.  I am just sick about it, but that is just my luck.  And here I thought I would be getting better all this week, but no, I have to go and get worse.  I could almost cry but that wouldn't help matters any.  Sooo--much as I want to come to Portland I don't think I had best, even if the swelling did go down they would still be all red and funny.  Not very flattering with my pink dress.

                    And now-- I haven't much to say and probably won't have.  Haven't done a thing except work and knit.  And couldn't do that last night and so haven't finished the baby's outfit.  Will you forgive me for this awful letter and for not coming to Portland.  Anyway remember I love you and want you to think about me a little.

                                                                   Dotty,

                                                                                   Thursday

Hello, sweet -
     Guess this is the last letter until I see you tomorrow -  all I can say is that three - week intervals are much too long -  anyway, I'll be at the depot when the bus gets there - and prepare to be kissed, too, unless there are too many people around -
     Hope your eyes won't be swollen, but it won't matter to me, if you feel all right - you know I love you no matter how you look, and you've never been anything but beautiful - so there -
     It's too bad Karl or someone isn't coming up - I don't envy you the bus ride -
     Moser and I are going to the ice-hockey game tonite - haven't seen one for years and years, so it should be fun - and might also pick up a few pointers on how to skate - that's pretty nice about Eugene having an ice coliseum - but it's really a good town for sports, and I'm not surprised -
     Just looked in my penny bank - which by the way is a cocktail shaker - and I have only saved up 9 pennies - but I think we will have fun shopping anyway -
     Guess I can't think of anything else except you being here tomorrow - so best I stop now - And I will be waiting for you tomorrow nite - with all my love -
                                                                         Bill

December 4, 1940 Wednesday

                                                              Wednesday

Dear Dotty -
     Well, just two days from now - can hardly wait to kiss you hello when you step off the bus Friday nite - wish you would come up on the train, but I guess the schedule just doesn't work out, does it - By the way, did you ever call up Karl to see whether he was planning to come up -
     For a change, I haven't been very busy this week, although I have a lot of work pending - However I am having a heck of a time trying to see Mr. Couch and talk over a few items - he is certainly all tied up these days -
     Took time off for a couple hours this afternoon and went over to the TB hospital and saw my first operation - and it was quite an experience - although after the first few minutes it wasn't bad -  The operation was an entrapleural pack, which consists of removing a rib and inserting a pack to apply pressure on a certain portion of the lung - They really get in deep before they finish, and it was rather fascinating all the way - I think I told you they have a microphone in the surgery, so up in the gallery you can hear everything that goes on - will tell you all the horrible details this weekend if you care to listen -
     Saw Dick Hill again today and we settled all the details for Saturday night - All the DU's are going to get together at Betty's apartment before the affair, and it should be a lot of fun - from what I hear about the Nu Sig dances, a very enjoyable time is always had by all concerned, and this promises to be no exception -
     Went ice-skating again last night -  it's getting to be my main form of exercise, but I don't mind - Oh yes, saw Betty Milne and Marge Iseler out there last night - they are both working at General Motors, I think -  Betty said for you to call her up this weekend -
     So are you still mad at Dammit - guess we will both be glad when you get rid of it - do you know I haven't had a bit of trouble with my car for quite a while now - best I keep my fingers crossed though -
     Please remember to let me know exactly when you will leave - if you don't get here until 10:30, we'll probably stay up pretty late, but I don't mind, as I've been sleeping much too much lately.
                                                          Love and kisses,
                                                                 Bill

                                                                             Wednesday -

Oh Dear! -
     I've had what you might call a relapse - my eyes are swollen a little bit - I certainly wish they would get better -  But they should be all right by Friday - Guess I am going to have to come up on the bus so will see you at 10:3 P.M. Friday - Called Karl - says to tell you "hello" but he isn't going to Portland - No one is, it seems -
     Just heard Kay Kyser and it was pretty good - Did you have fun skating last night?  They are going to build a rink here in Eugene and I heard they were planning to have it built by February - It's going to be out on the Highway by us -
     Darn - my eyes itch -
     Today is Wednesday - almost over - tomrrow Thursday - Then Friday !!-
     Gee Mom sure made a swell apple pie tonight which we had for dinner with ice-cream.
     What is the matter with me - All I can think about is you and Portland - I have been 3/4 of an hour now trying to write this - and I hope I get it mailed - Pray for my eye to get well & not swell - get it?-
        Remember I love you -
                          Dotty

December 3, 1940 Tuesday "I have a chance to get rid of Damit soon - Thank goodness"

                                                                           Monday

Hello, hello, hello -
     Yep - Sounds like the game was fun - and sounds like Mr. Byrne is a pretty nice guy - I wondered if you would be sitting near all the notables -  The announcer announced how they were introducing them all - and I wondered maybe they'd introduce you- Did they? -
     Well today was a work day and didn't mind it too much -  Now that I've made up my mind I don't care - I have a chance to get rid of Damit soon - Thank goodness -  Melba has decided that she will get a car and will pay me on mine to trade in on hers - or something - anyway that's what I'm going to do - Had to buy a new fan belt today and a new battery - soon the damn car is going to be worth $200.00 - But I will be glad to get rid of it -
    I told them today I was going to take this weekend off - So it's all fixed up - and I wrote to Aunt Edna - and I'm making a shopping list and I can hardly wait -
     Do you know that my one week of leisure cost me about $20.00 - Wow - it certainly doesn't pay to be sick-
     The Christmas spirit is beginning to creep up on me -  Stayed downtown this noon and saw all the people and all the decorations -  There certainly were a lot around -
     My rug is certainly going to be colorful to say the least.  It's right in front of me and I'm just wondering - Oh well, they say color is the thing now days -
     After your nice long letter I feel kind of guilty about not mailing mine last night but I'll try not to let it happen again -
     Guess I'll finish my baby sweater this week - then I can show it to you before I give it away - would you like that?! -
What do you think of this dinky little note paper - but it's just about gone - Just 3 1/2 days till I see you -
                                                 Lots & lots of love
                                                  & lots & lots of kisses -
                                                               Dotty-

                                                                                                        Tuesday

Hello, Dotty -
     Was very happy to know that you are practically recovered and all set to come up to Portland this weekend - I am so anxious to see you I don't see how I can wait till Friday PM - just 3 days from now --
     I think that's a very good idea you have of selling your car - hope you can talk Melba into giving you at least half of what you put into it -  anyway, if you sell it I bet you can start saving money a little faster -
     I have inquired some more into the question of what kind of dresses the gals are wearing Saturday nite - from all I can learn, long dinner dresses are supposed to be worn, although lots of the girls wear short dresses, but the dance is informal - so I will let you figure it out - Betty is going to wear a long dress - and so is one of the secretaries up at the office -  anyway, I don't see that it makes much difference - you will still be the most beautiful girl there -
     Think we are going to have lots and lots of fun all weekend - shopping, dining, dancing, etc -  Please let me know just when you are planning on getting up here - in case you haven't checked up, the train that leaves Eugene about 4 or 5 is really a fast one, and I really think you ought to come up on it --- anyway let me know --
     Am going ice-skating tonite again - hope I don't fall down -
                                                             All my love,
                                                                       Bill

                                                                          
                                                                                       Tuesday -
Here it's only Tuesday and it seems like a month since Monday -
I checked up on the train and bus schedules - train leaves 4:20 and arrives 8:00 -  bus leaves 6:30 and arrives 10:30 - Best I take the bus (if I don't get a ride up)  Then New Year's I can take the 4:20 train - So you can kiss me at the Bus depot - It sounds like the dance is going to be fun -
     I knitted and knitted last night and just about gave up-  The pattern is very complicated and I'm not at the halfway mark.  In fact it's going to be harder for a while -
     Do you know that the kids are almost ready for exams.  This next weekend is closed -  Fine thing -
     You don't believe in telling me what you want for Xmas do you?  -  Guess I'll surprize you and get something besides woods - So - or would I surprize you -  And what are you getting for me?
     Oh dear, can't seem to think -  Things are beginning to get a little busier at the office - and we have a little more work to do   But it isn't too bad -  We have started on the Xmas things
     My P.O. is practically gone - my eyes are still funny red and itch a little bit - But not for long I hope -  And I'm still disgusted with Damit -  Well, dear, goodbye for now - And do you still love me?  After this awful letter -
                                                            All my love,
                                                                       Dotty