Dear Dad & Mother,

      I wrote you folks last Thursday & will try & scribble a few lines today.

      How is everyone at home? I am a feeling fine & hope this finds you the same.

      We are having the nicest weather any one could ask for. Today seems like July & Aug weather at home. The trees here are all leafed out & reminds me of the woods at the river and the birds are doing their bit to cheer us up. But we are about as happy a bunch as you could see.

      Charlie W. is busy now fixing his bunk up. Poor kid. He is having lots of trouble now trying to grow a mustache & it doesn't grow very fast. Ha Ha. Every time we get any spare time we work on our dug out, trying to make it as near homelike as possible & believe me we have a keen one already.

      You ask me if I had ever received anything from the Red Cross. I have not yet. As a matter of fact, Leo O'connor & Ed Gartner are the only ones who have. Ours were probable lost on the way somewhere. But they might turn up sometime.

      I did my washing Friday & it is dry now but don't have to iron it. I have a joke to tell you about it when we get back.

      There is ten of us in this dugout, & we sure have some time. We go together & buy jelly & jam at the French Canteen, which doesn't cost much but taste awfully good.

      We had a swell dinner today. French fried spuds & roast beef. Sure tasted good.

      Oh Yes I received a letter from Uncle A. C. Stephen. The way he writes everyone is OK there.

      I wish you folks could be here with me for a while & see some of the interesting sites I had saw & also some of the pretty scenery. But I'll remember it all & tell you when I get back.

      I can't talk much French yet, I really don't care to as good old American language is good enough for me.

      As for that French girl, she was only a friend. There is a little girl back there, that means a lot to me. Do you remember the one what was with Wilma M. & I at the Thanksgiving dance, Babe Snyder, she lives at Verdel Nebr now. But here's hoping she will at Coleridge after the war Ha, Ha. The French girls are alright but they can't come up with the good old US lassie.

      As I sit here writing this & looking at the ring you sent me, it makes me think I had neglected you folks for I haven't sent you anything yet. But when I get a chance, I will.

      I took examination for 1st Class Gunner but haven't heard yet whether I made it or not. If I did, it will mean $3 more pay. That will help some for the future. You see I am looking out for that also.

      By the way, what is Ernie going to do with his School Marm when he leaves? Any chance for a new sister-in-law? Here's hoping.

      How did Steve & Rossie make it with their exam? Are they going to school in town this year or not? As I want to know all about all the kiddies. I sure have quite a string of nieces & nephews. Some will be strangers, too.

      Just back from supper. Had a dandy meal. Consisted of meatballs, dressing & gravy with dates as desert, so you can see we have plenty to eat.

      After it being such a nice day it is trying to rain tonite. Has clouded up & began thundering, the first thunder I have heard