Dear Folks,

      I received your most welcome letter & present today. And believe me I sure am proud of it. All the kids in my tent think it is the only thing, but I was sure surprised too. It was just what I needed.

      Maybe you think I wasn't glad to hear that you folks have a new car & it must be a regular car too. What color is it? I suppose Ernie is just cutting capers with it. How much did it cost? Dad I was afraid he might buy a Ford & I know you folks needed something better than a darned jitney and you will enjoy it.

      Oh yes I tho't I wrote you folks about receiving the wash rags & soap. They sure are dandies & believe me they come in handy.

      It costs me $1.75 per month for washing but they do $3 worth for that amount & do a good job too.

      I am glad you had a good time the 4th as that is one day that everybody should enjoy it.

      How many qts of Cherries did you get off the trees? I would like to be there & eat them. As you know I always was some picker Ha, Ha, and eater too.

      I would like to get into that salad you had for 4th dinner. I had some young chicken for supper last nite down town, but it didn't taste any thing like it does back home. Besides, they don't know how to cook.

      I suppose you have your hands full taking care of all them grandchildren. Maybe you think I wouldn't like to see all you folks, but I suppose it will be some time yet. But I don't think this old war will last much longer but of course we can't always tell. But the way the paper read it looks a little shaky on the Kaiser's part, but of course he has been lucky for a while but it won't last when Uncle Sam's boys get in the line.

      Lou M sure was running rich taking them gooseberry. I would have been a good joke if Meyers had of caught her. I suppose she is pretty thick with Earl's Pearl. They sure would make a team on asking day .

      I was down & took in a good show last wk. But that is nothing for a fellow to do out here, as old Frisco is sure lousy with them & all prizes too. I suppose Shewster is still running the show back there.

      You said Dad got some new blankets. When I get out of the Army I am going to bring you back a real pair of blankets, that is if I can buy these. They sure are nice & warm too.

      We don't get as much freedom as we used to have, only one third of the Co. can leave the same day, so you see we can only sign out every third day. But lots of the boys go without passes, but if they are caught means a visit to the guard house. And believe me that is one place I don't care to go to & I don't intend to either if I can help it.

      We had physical inspection today and whole Co. passed O. K. so you see we are a pretty clean bunch of fellows.

      We don't drill any more in the afternoons, but have to drill on the big guns Monday Nights.

      Mr. & Mrs. Willey are at Los Angeles visiting now but I intend to visit them before they go back. Herb has not been down but that one time but I hear from him quite often.

      How is the family across the street coming? I suppose there will be an increase some of these times. By the way, did Maude get her divorce yet?