Tues Mar 20, 1945

Rainy, windy & cool today. Duane came about 7:30. Took his folks with us. Saw "Ladies Courageous" and "Gangs, Inc." Good. Had more fun!! Ate at Fletcher's. Leaving there Duane put his arm around me and his dad said, "Oh-oh, I see where I should have driven home." They're swell!

Mon Mar 19, 1945

Rained so don't suppose Duane worked. Was going to work in fields. Got Judy's Easter dress: really felt good. We girls acted so darn silly but was fun. Willard & Marguerite have separated & Ruth said this eve. that he has got some girl he's been going with into trouble. Supposed to have only gone with her 3 wks. Really makes me feel terrible!

Sun Mar 18, 1945

Duane came after me about 12:30. At his house all day. Golly, but I love it there. I just enjoy myself so much. I know that Duane is most wonderful person in the world! Didn't go anywhere this eve. Came home pretty early. Girls were gone this eve. & just talked with his folks & played with baby (Jack). Gee, but it was wonderful!

Sat Mar 17, 1945

Went out to Mother's after work. Washed hair. Luetta in hospital & Mother is keeping Diane. Lyn home this week-end. Came down this eve. & went to Argenta with her. Then to her house for supper. Listened to games. Decatur played Champaign in State Finals & won 62-54. Is really wonderful!! What a time for them!

Fri Mar 16, 1945

Decatur beat Galesburg tonight in a very exciting game. Won 73-72. Got Easter dress outfit & hat today. Really a swell letter. Duane came home unexpectedly this eve. Is going to Champaign tomorrow & won't be down. Had a fuss to begin with - as usual. Had a wonderful time the rest of the eve. Just went riding but was really swell. Decided we're pretty darn dumb for quarreling so much. That won't stop us though.

Grandpa (middle), grandma (right) and Helen Crabtree. {thank you, Tisha, for letting me know!}

Thurs Mar 15, 1945

"Nean", "Barb", John Rucker, Duane & I went to St. Tournament at Champaign today. Was really thrilling & wonderful. We girls saw "Meet Me In St. Louis" in aft. Super! Decatur won. Bob Doster & D.H.S. broke records. Won $50 from D on Champaign's game. Called Lyn. Really had argument on way home. As a whole today was really super swell.

Wed Mar 14, 1945

Just got home & Mrs. Wallace stopped to take me out home with her. Really had a swell time tonight. Went with Duane to do chores. Have 8 little calves & little tiny pigs which are Duane's. At his house for supper & all eve. - then home. Gee, it was swell!

An award????

Wow, this is sooooo exciting!!

One of my very best friends, Alexis, an avid reader with a strong love for Grandma's Diary, has nominated it for a huge award, "The Best Blog of All Time"! This contest is a real thing and the winners will be announced in Orlando, FL at the Blogger's Choice Awards. What a huge honor this is to even be nominated. But what a tribute it would be to grandma if her blog WON!

To vote, all you have to do is go to this link ----> here or you can click on the Blogger's Choice Award badge in the sidebar, which will also direct you to it. Then once you arrive, just vote! You can only vote one time. So, once you do, if you feel this blog deserves it, pass the word along! It will only get votes if the blog is noticed and liked. So let's work hard to make grandma a winner, I think it would be really "swell"! (As grandma would have put it.) :c)

Added later *Anissa plugged me, so I'm plugging her (and thanking her!) for plugging me!*

Things that make you smile

I just discovered that Grandma's Diary has been linked yet again! It makes me grin from ear-to-ear. How exciting!! Thank you, Genealogue! See the article here <---- click on me.

Grandma, Nean & Barb

This is a neat picture because of the cars you see in the background, but mostly because it's grandma (on the left) with grandpa's sisters, Norma Jean ("Nean") & Barb.

Barb is in the hospital right now in Chicago as she suffered a brain aneurysm April 6th. She had surgery the following day (survived!) and is now in the ICU at Northwestern hospital. Cousin, Lori, has been posting updates on her condition at the blog she developed for Barb here.

I have a feeling Barb will come through this. I know these days right now are the most critical for her, and that the biggest fear is a stroke, but she is strong . . . she is a Wallace.

I mentioned in Barb's blog, in the comments section, that my dad (also a Wallace) suffered a brain aneurysm when I was in 7th grade. Reading it made a lot of memories come back for myself and for mom and I know even more so for dad. I am sure he can relate to what Barb is going through and I hope one day they can share their experiences. Dad was in ICU for 2 weeks and in the hospital total for 31 days. It's difficult to go back and remember this time, but at the same time I see it as encouraging because, as I said, Dad is a Wallace and he pulled through like most Wallaces seem to do! He has that diligence that Barb has along with a strong relationship with God, which I think (no, I know) is proof that she will get through this also.

Tues Mar 13, 1945

Warm again today. Supposed to have date but Duane called this aft. & said hadn't got brakes fixed on car so couldn't drive it. Of all nights - darn it! Really lonely this eve. Ruth & kids in town & Daddy working. Sat. got post card from Chicago saying "Guess who?" Duane said was John Rucker's writing.

Mon Mar 12, 1945

Oh, this spring weather! Gee, all I can think about is Duane. Oh, I hope he loves me, but he's just got to believe that he's the one for me. He just has to. Dale's name in draft list in paper today. Gee, I'm tired. Didn't get to bed till 1:30 this morn. Duane broke window in car. Wrote to him.

Sun Mar 11, 1945

Warm out. Got to see daddy. Duane came out at 5:40. Saw "Hollywood Canteen". Very good! Saw Dale, Edythe, & Gene T. there. Gene really looked good! Had quite a time tonight. Duane thinks he doesn't treat me right & that he's not the one for me . . . & that just won't work. I cried - said he couldn't stand it - said that his mother & I were 2 women he loved most in the world. Said lots of sweet things. But, golly, I don't know what to do.

{Dale is grandpa Duane's brother and Edythe is his girlfriend. Edythe and Dale will one day be married.}

Sat Mar 10, 1945

Really like spring yesterday & today. Went to Mother's after work. Laid down & slept till 5:45. Duane came after me about 8:45. Went to Illini. Dorothy & Evelyn there. Had fun but not as much as Tues. Felt that something was wrong.

Fri Mar 9, 1945

Evelyn sure talks about Jack a lot. She really seems to like him. Evelyn & I worked this eve. Had fun. She, Dorothy, & I danced a while downstairs after work in aft. Went to Mother's & stayed all night. Washed hair & to bed. Kinda tired.

Thurs Mar 8, 1945

Duane came down this eve. & we went to see "The Very Thought of You". Was really swell!! Reeally had a wonderful time! Ate at Park Inn. Sang songs & acted rather silly for a while, but, golly. Duane is wonderful!!!!!

Wed Mar 7, 1945

"Gen" talking about Jim & her wedding experiences. Wish I had some to tell. Evelyn saw Bob off this morn. She & I got pinafores alike this eve. Jeepers, wish Duane would call or would get a letter tomorrow. Had bank meeting this aft. about Red Cross. Washed some clothes, put up hair, and to bed. Stayed up till Daddy got home this morn.

{It's Just Me}

I just wanted to stop by really quick and tell you all that I am here, but incredibly busy, so I'm having a hard time trying to post entries each day like I wish to. A little update here with me . . .

We are selling our house ourselves - a huge chore, but hopefully we can do it and save us some realtor fees - sorry to my great-aunt, great-uncle and cousins who work in the realty biz, but we need that extra 6% to go towards our house that we are building (or 2nd big chore at the time being)! On top of that, my business (VWC Photography) is booming (a blessing!) because it's that time of year again - people antsy to have spring portraits and couples getting married. So, needless to say, my spare time is getting away from me. Of course I can't forget my kiddos who keep me the busiest as a full-time stay-at-home mommy - they are ages 3-1/2 and 17-1/2 months - they are probably the ones keeping me from posting entries on most days!

Anyhow, tonight I hope to post a few entries and then I will try my best to come back next week and post more often. Sorry to those of you who are my loyal readers. Some of you come back and come back more than once a day and I just love that about you! Don't give up on me!!

Happy Easter! :c)

Tues Mar 6, 1945

"Gen" back to work. It was swell!! Duane and I went to Illini. - 1st time. Really had a wonderful time!!! Billy Bishop there. Duane really enjoyed it, too. Is getting to be a good dancer. Was really swell! Before we left Duane came in bedroom & saw me in slip. Acted kinda mad but wasn't so much. Duane wanted me to write something cute, but kinda crazy that he said that this eve. - "I'm going to wash my hands and comb my hair." Gee, I hope he loves me as much as I do him.

Growing!

We've been linked over and over! How exciting that Grandma's Diary is growing so. I'm thrilled!

Mon Mar 5, 1945

All Evelyn could talk about was Jack. He leave Tues. morn. "Gen" at bank - starts work tomorrow. Daddy started in nights this eve. Called Duane to see how he was. O.k. - he said. Rained & hailed. Read this eve. Really warm last few days.

Sun. Mar 4, 1945

At Edna's this aft. Edna, H.M., & I went walking. Like old times. Lyn here this morn., went with G. Malone last night. Must have been wonderful. D. & I went with Jack & Evelyn. Saw "Woman In the Window". Real good. Duane was sick. He didn't feel good at all. Laid with head in my lap & slept most of eve. He's so sweet. Had fun. To bed at 1:00. J. & E. swell.

Sat Mar 3, 1945

All Evelyn talked about today was Jack. I know he liked her a lot too. Don't know what she's going to do about Bob. Went to Mother's in aft. Washed hair. Edna here a while in eve. Grandma here for week-end. Wrote letter to Duane.

Fri Mar 2, 1945

Really had fun tonight. Evelyn & Jack went together on a "blind date" with us. Saw "Kismet". Loads of fun. They really seemed to like each other. Have a date for Sun. night. Went out to rock garden but couldn't go through. [At Nelson park perhaps?] Ate at The Five Hundred. Nice. Got to bed about 12:45.

Thurs Mar 1, 1945

Gone "steady" 21 mo. today. Evelyn & I bought cross for Dorothy for birthday. It's really pretty. Really nice out today. "Gertie" Elston here for supper & all eve. Edna Mae over for a while too.

FYI . . .

Some facts were corrected in "Who's Who".

(Thanks!)

Cyndi's List

We made it onto Cyndi's List, a genealogical online resource.
Check it out!
(Scroll down and Grandma's Diary is under March 20, 2007)

Wed Feb 28, 1945

Marguerite & Willard have split up again. Duane came down about 8:15. Got car fixed - took a little ride but were home most of eve. We both cut-up and acted kinda silly at first. Tonight was really wonderful!! Duane acted & talked like he used to. Talked about getting married & our children. Duane said his grandpa likes me. He said I were nice & darn cute. Really made me feel good. Didn't get to bed until 2:00. Marguerite gave me crocheted dutch cap.

Tues Feb 27, 1945

Argenta played Bloomington in Regional at Clinton today. Rather dull day - not much happening. Lorene's birthday. Liked friendship bracelet. Wrote letter to "Zombie". Daddy got put on nights. Won't get to see much of him now. Not going to like that. Starts Mon. Lonesome -- plenty.

Mon Feb 26, 1945

Gee, I'm lonesome & have been all day. Evelyn & I went to sleep at noon. Duane was going to take car to garage to be worked on. Wonder how he came out. Daddy went to town. Got letter & picture from Zombie. Really good. Washed some things, put up hair, listened to radio, & to bed.

1940's photo booth pictures

Here are more photo booth pictures. I just love them. I am not really sure of the time frame of any of them except for the ones of grandpa are from August of 1945. The girl is grandma. The one at the bottom left is grandma's little brother, Bud. Isn't he a cutie? Down in the "Who's Who?" post, I mention him.

Who's Who?

I have had a lot of people questioning who certain people are. And so since we have so many people reading this blog now who are not related, I thought I would explain the names of the people mentioned (with any and all other information I feel could be pertinent) so you can grasp the "story" and get to know my Wallace-Duncan-Pope family better.

(If anyone has anything I can add, please email me. And if I have any facts wrong, please feel free to correct me!)

• Grandma's first name is "Shirley"
  
• Duane: grandma's boyfriend in the diary, who will later become my grandpa, or I guess I should say, I will later become his granddaughter!
  
• Grandpa is a "Wallace", and the Wallace family are spoken of quite often. Grandpa had 7 other siblings with a very wide age range: Dale, Grandpa (Duane), Norma Jean, Barb, Mary Louise, Richard, Edwin, and Jack. Grandpa was the 2nd oldest, at around 18 yrs old, in the diary, and the youngest was Jack, who was born in December of '44 so he would be 2 months old.
• Both grandma and grandpa went to Argenta High School
• Grandma's mother (Nellie) and father divorced when my grandma was 5. She lived with her father (Mr. Duncan) in neighboring Oreana. Her dad was married to Ruth. Her mom will marry later (a great man I will get to know later as "grandpa Pope")
  
• Grandma talks a lot of her friends: "Gen", Dorothy, Evelyn, and so on . . .
• Grandma worked at Millikin Bank in Decatur
• When this diary began, grandpa was working at a coal mine. Right now, in the diary, he is no longer working there. He will soon begin as a full-time farmer just like his father.
  
• Grandma had two 1/2 siblings, Judy and Bud (will later have more)
• Edythe is Dale's girlfriend in the diary and they will later marry
  

I am going to "sticky" this list in the side bar and update it as I need to. So check back!

Class of 1944 . . . and the legacy continues . . .

I've metioned before that grandma and grandpa went to the same high school. This is their senior class picture. I circled them. What I personally find really neat is that I went to the same school and graduated in 1994, exactly 50 years after they did. I walked the same halls, sat in the same class rooms and sat in the same gym. (My husband also went to this school - he and I were "high school sweethearts" like my grandparents were.) Unfortunately, the school is no longer there, but I'm so proud to say I helped carry on the Wallace legacy for many years in that school. Of course there were lots of us Wallace's between grandma & grandpa and myself . . . and there will continue to be more Wallace's in the new school with my cousin, Andy, living in the area and putting his own children through school there as well.

1945 Dealer's Warranty

Remember the Ford Deluxe car that grandpa bought in Feb 1945 that grandma talked about? Here is the dealer warranty for that car. Check out the price grandpa purchased it for!

Sun Feb 25, 1945

Don't feel any different being 18. Duane came down about 5:45. Started to town but decided better not drive car till is fixed. Went to Wallace's. Really did have a swell time!! Just the girls there most of eve. Played with Jack. So sweet. Duane can say some beautiful things. Seems like I'm always seeing a new side of him. It's wonderful --- love. I mean, Duane is the most wonderful person in the world! I know that.

How neat.

Really quick. . .

I have been featured at a site called 5 Minutes for Mom, which is a big site in the motherhood world, "bringing moms the best in blogging, shopping, parenting and entertainment". What I really love about it is that it's a Christian site, and the two girls that run it are not only moms, but stay-at-home moms with small businesses (and blogs) like me! Anyway, please take time to look at the article and then roam the site. (I love it there. I even got Anissa to be a part of a the group!) I'm just really flattered and I think grandma and grandpa both would be as well knowing that even more of the world is getting to know a little more about them . . . and more about all of us. They both would be tickled to death.

By the way, if you go to the sidebar column here at Grandma's Diary, near the bottom of it you will find a world map. The red dots on it show where all the visitors who read the blog are from. I didn't start the map until this past week, so we're missing a thousand or so visitors, but for now on it should keep good track. I find it pretty interesting so I wanted to point that out and share it with you.

Looking back some more . . .

[I'm going out of town for a few days . . . so in the meantime, down memory lane with more pictures . . . I'll be back next week, so check in then! ~ Val]

Is this grandpa's car? I thought his was cream, this does not look cream to me? Maybe his daddy's car?

Not sure where this was taken? Possibly Niagra Falls? Anyone know?

Isn't this a great one of grandpa? Boy, was he handsome! (And still handsome when I last saw him . . . but wow, look at him here . . . that smile . . . one I will never ever forget . . . Been missing you, grandpa, a lot and thinking about you a lot. I think it's because my birthday is upon us and you never ever forgot me . . . I'm still waiting on a card in the mail from you this year. Love you, one of your "girls", Valerie )

Sat Feb 24, 1945

[Grandma's Birthday today]Got off early - 2:00. Went to Victory & came home with Daddy. Got beautiful bracelet from Dorothy & Evelyn, "Singing Rain" ordered by Lorene, housecoat from Daddy & Ruth, and blouse from Judy & Buddy. Duane came after me before he went home. Spent the eve. at his house. Had fun. New car really swell but having a little trouble with it. Duane got me 8 piece Richard Hudnut (can't read her writing?) make-up kit in leather case. Really nice & do I like it! But I love him more. Had a swell birthday.

Fri Feb 23, 1945

Not as busy as thought would be. Evelyn & I worked tonight. Stayed all night at Mother's. Duane called me 4 times today - twice tonight. He got a car tonight. Boy, is he ever happy! - and me, too!! It's a 1939 Ford Tudor - cream colored. Can hardly wait to see it. Mother and I went to Luetta's awhile after work. Duane is getting so sweet.

Grandpa and that beautiful new car which he was so proud of!
Posted once already, I know. I need toget to scanning some more!

Thurs Feb 22, 1945

Mother & I were uptown all afternoon. Tog new slip & pr. brown sandals for birthday. Had dress for Easter laid away. Came home this eve. (Washed hair at Mother's.) Now at Grandma's & Luetta's. Washed clothes, ironed, put up hair. (Bank closed.)

I absolutely love this picture. It's a colorchrome photo and it's rare (from my findings) to find photos in color from this time. Isn't she lovely?

Wed Feb 21, 1945

Evelyn & I slept at noon. Duane called & woke me up. Stayed at Mother's all night. Called Duane & asked him to come over but instead went with Glen & Mildred. Started out to Wallaces but had to come back because of fog. Played pinochle & ate ice cream. Well, it happened. I couldn't help it. Duane talked to met about a lot of things but just couldn't talk. Afraid for him to think that I believe him too much.

Word getting out . . .

Word has been getting out about Grandma's Diary. Total stranger stopping by and enjoying our past. I welcome all visitors because it's such an honor sharing our history, which is in a sense, is everyone's history. Check out the comments throughout, especially below the entry Grandma as a Little Girl. People are so kind!

Tues Feb 20, 1945

Duane and I had 1st date 2 yrs ago tonight.

Decided not to give letter to Duane. Daddy took Evelyn, Dorothy, Duane & I out to Maroa game at Arg. Won 40-31. Dance afterwards. Really had a wonderful time & so did the girls! Danced with Duane, Bob L., Johnny R., D., & C. So swell being there again. Evelyn thought John Rucker cute. We acted all silly & had such a swell time. Wonderful dancing with Duane again.

Mon Feb 19, 1945

Rather sleepy, but, oh so happy! Been humming a certain song all day. Duane called this aft. Made me feel so good! Said had been thinking of me and wanted to call. Told me that this is last week at coal office. Am so glad - and I know he is too. Wrote letter to him in eve. Hope that wasn't wrong thing to do. "Gen" at bank. Went out with her at noon. She's leaving for N.C. tomorrow morn.

Grandma as a little girl.

Not having much time to work on the diary itself lately, I thought I'd share even more pictures from the past. I am just so fascinated by them . . . I hope you are as well. These below are more of grandma as a wee one . . . hope you are enjoying.

Please leave comments below sometimes so I know who visits. (. . . please?!) All you have to do is click on "comments" which resides below each post. It will guide you to a comment window. I don't think you have to "sign in" unless you have an account. You can comment anonymously even. It's pretty self-explanatory once you hit the comment link. I'd love comments because you've got to be thinking something when you see these old pictures! This is our past . . . and if you aren't related, it's still your past. This is how our ancestors lived. I find it extraordiary. I hope you do, too. Please share - this site is for everyone and a way for us all to stay connected.

Love ya all . . .
Valerie

Grandma, again, outside her home as a baby.

Grandma and her daddy. What a handsome man . . .

Grandma and her mother. She seemed so "proper". Some of you knew her. Tell me what she was like! (Wait, I think I posted this one before already . . . ah well . . .)

This old picture is one of my favorites. It shows so much. Look at the brick sidewalk, the tricycle, grandma's dress (how often do you see girls these days wearing stockings, mary janes and dresses when they play?), and the old wooden fence which you can see in the shadows. Priceless!

Yet again, the adorable toddler, our grandma.

Flashbacks in time . . .

Russell Wallace, grandpa's daddy, I'm guessing the very early 1900's?? Amazing picture.

The heart of Decatur . . . what is now West Main and Main Street, where the Transfer House was originally located in 1914. It is no longer there; was moved to Central Park years and years ago. The Decatur City Council is working to have it moved back to this original location.

Grandma Wallace (Shirley) as a baby girl . . . 1930's, with her baby doll.

This picture is just the neatest to me because I drive down this street almost daily. It's Monroe Street where grandma Wallace grew up. Her house is the one right above the bulldozer with vines all over the front porch. This was when they tore up the brick road, in 1941, and replaced it with cement.
Grandpa and his first car, the Ford Deluxe.

Grandma and Grandpa . . . such a nice looking couple. I think this was taken on Monroe, in front of grandma's house . . . you can see how the street is no longer brick.

The Wallace clan in the late 1960's (I think that is the right time frame??). Can you pick out everyone? Click on the picture and it should pull up in another window much larger.

Grandma and grandpa's farm in 1974.

This was at Chris's birthday in 1984. Check out Matt's socks and Skoal hat! I love it! (Sorry, Matt, I just had to throw this one in!)

Grandma and grandpa in 1992 at my Uncle Barry's wedding. Still such a beautiful couple . . .

Sun Feb 18, 1945

Duane down this morn. for a while. He is sweet to me. Came later about 5:45. Saw "Doughgirls". Fair. Ate at Brook's. Duane played "You Always Hurt the One You Love". Sure made a lump in my throat. I know he meant it. He said for me to write in my diary - "Duane always hurts the one he loves and he hurt me." I'm beginning to hope again that things will turn out like I've wanted them to. Hope I'm right. He has been wonderful to me. Both sorta dazed (? cannot read her writing again) & almost broke the promise to myself. We neither one could help it. To bed at 11:30!

A picture of grandma with her mother.

Sat Feb 17, 1945

"Light" day at bank. Duane called me at bank. Did that ever make me happy! No special reason - just called. Maybe I've got hope. Called from across the street - said had been waiting, thinking I might come out. Wish I could have. "Gen" at bank this morn. Is leaving for N.C. Tues. Gave me wedding picture. Very good. So sweet. Hope Duane is thinking of me a little.

Fri Feb 16, 1945

Got blue dress from Gushard's (?? Could not read her writing ??) & had another one laid back at Hecht's. Really cute. Sure a "light" day at bank. Met June at noon. Swell to talk to her again. Today not quite as bad but oh! - tonight has been awful!! Folks gone. Washed some things & listened to radio.

Love Letters

[Slowly I am stumbling upon more and more wonderful things from grandma & grandpa's past. Tonight it were love letters. I'm not sure the exact date that these were written, but I think around 1945 as grandma was working at Millikin National Bank - she wrote one letter on paper w/ this letterhead. Amazingly, grandpa wrote quite a few and he was pretty good with his words. Also, amazingly, they kept almost every letter or card ever written to each other. How sweet. And how lucky we all are today to be able to have them. So in love they were. I absolutely love reading these . . . ]

Mon. morn 8:55 A.M.

Golly, Honey, I hope you're as happy as I am this morning. My heart is so full of happiness that I feel as if I might burst if I don't say some of the things that I'm feeling. I don't know why I am so happy - - - unless it's because I'm in love. I know that's the reason. Isn't it funny, Darling, that it takes so little to make you happy when you're in love? Just to know that the one person in the world who means my whole life loves me - - - well, Honey, nothing could spoil the way I feel this morn.

I've never felt before just the same as I do this morning. I've felt lots of things before, Honey, but nothing ever as wonderful as this. Oh, Darling, I hope you know what I'm trying to say - - - there just aren't the words to say what I really feel - - - I think that's something you just have to know. This letter would sound awfully silly to someone who didn't understand but, Dearest, I think you will.

Honey, I wish you could know how much it means to me to know and to be able to be with a family like yours, but I know you can't. I can only say that - - - well, Darling, I can't really say what I mean - - - but it just gives me a feeling of everything being perfect. I can only hope that someday your mother and father and your brothers and sisters will love me just a little. I don't know whether I am or could be worthy of that, but I hope so, Honey, because that would really make me happy. I love them, Darling - - - of course, Honey, its in a different way than I love you, but I really do love them. I wish that in some way your folks could know how much it means to me to be there. Maybe they would love me a little more if they could know that.

Well, Dearest, I really must stop. I don't think there's anyone in the world as happy as I am. I hope you feel the same way, Darling. Please write, and I love you very much.

With All My Love Forever,
Shirley

Letter that grandpa wrote to grandma:

Dearest Darling Shirley,
I Love You.

I just got home from town a while ago. I had to take mom in because she was afraid to go by herself for fear of a flat (you know, one of those things like we had about a week ago.)

The girls & I have been wrestling all evening. They never hurt me but then I started wrestling with the two little boys & they just about knocked the devil out of me. Golly, Honey, but I'm lonesome for you tonight. Boy I'll be glad for the day when I can change that last name of yours (that is with your consent of course.) I sure hope you'll say yes. Honey, I really do love you aplenty.

I'm in bed. Richard's asleep here beside me (he's snoring as usual.)

Boring, aren't I??

I guess George & Helen have just about got their troubles straightened out, haven't they?

Gee, Honey, I hope that we never split up because I sure get a funny feeling that things aren't going so well & maybe you might quit me. I hope the day never comes when we find out that we don't love on another. Really, though, I don't think that day will come.

I'll Always Love You, Dearest,
Duane

Be dreaming of you . . .
Still love me, Darling??
Good night S.D. W.