April 16, 1942
Camp Livingston, LA

Dear Mom

I’m sorry I haven’t gotten around to write before. I started one to you Sunday afternoon but didn’t finish it. I might as well not started.

I bought a new pencil today so I’m using that instead of my pen. It’s easier for me to write with.

I got your letter today and it’s lucky you know me and my impressive ideas and added that line about writing to Grandma, because that’s just what I’d have done. I had several good ideas already, until I read that line. It’d have been a “bummer” as we say here.

There’s no more news about furlough‘s except they’re pretty sure everyone will get one. We hope!!

About that PFC I wrote down. It happens and I don’t pay any attention to which it is. I never lost it and now draw $49 a month with about $6 dollars taken out for insurance, laundry, etc.

It seems as though I could save some but in a month there’s a lot of little things to pay. The dry cleaning is extra, tobacco, shows; they count plenty. Toilet articles, books and magazines (I buy a lot) and candy, ice cream, etc.

I went to the show tonight,“The Flutes In“ and it’s a dream. Jean Berte was broke and I had the price of two tickets so I figured we might as well be in the same booth and took him.

The theater is a large tent about 100 x 60 and about 40 feet high in the center and is full of holes. We had been in the show, about 45 minutes when it started to pour without warning.

I guess is breaking in a new boy on the pumps and he isn’t used to it yet. Anyhow, we got soaked and my pants had just some come back from being pressed.

Someone took the 60 watt light and left a 30 in it’s place, I can hardly see what I’m writing,

Charlie is back from the hospital and will get a sick furlough. I think he leaves tonight.

I took the adaptability test and passed OK though my eyes are only fair. I came near flunking on them. I think I told the rest in the letter to Wanda. We get our new license tomorrow.

Damn that light !!

I guess I’ll have to quit and go to bed.

Love to all.

Wayne