SEPTEMBER 22, 1942

Dear Eva:

I am thoroughly ashamed of not writing you before-I know how much mail means when one is first away from home. I received your second letter yesterday. I am so glad you like your work, and are happy in your surroundings. I guess I am like your mother. I expect you to be a bit lonesome, only because I was I suppose. That is a long time ago for me to remember, but I'll never forget how I dreaded each morning, and was lonesome at nights. It shouldn't be so, and I'm glad to think that you are now contending with those bugbears. Your description of the home sounds most pleasant.
As for me, my dear old man, there isn't much I can say as I am limited. We were told what we can say, and there were so many things we could not say there isn't anything left one can say. We are drilling now, and a sorry mess I'm afraid we are making of it. Have it twice a week. Tomorrow is the day. Perhaps in time we may be a credit to our instructor. As for the swimming, you should see me doing the Australian crawl. The river (Ingonish) isn't deep or wide enough for me now!

Helen's patient sent me a nice box of Macintosh apples. Yum, yum, were they good! Gladys sent a nice cake and candy since she came back. I talked on the 'foam' to her a week ago.

We hear all sorts of rumors as to our leaving, but they all fall through. I hope wherever we go it won't be as hot as here. I'm just like a greasy Eskimo most of the time.
* * *
Well, here it is two days hence. Am off-duty 9-2, and aching to crawl into bed for a nap. Didn't sleep last night. Every bone in my body ached. It's the rheumatism, I suspect. It's a very cool day so far.

Had a letter from Gladys since I started this, with a couple of NS pictures. One of your ma, your grampa, your Aunt Gladys, and last but not least Jiggy. She also sent by the same post a box of Fanny Farmer's chocolates. She shouldn't do it, as I know she can't afford to. Winifred also sent a scarf she knit, and a few odds and ends of candy, including two Canada mints. You see what attention one gets when one is in the Service.

Win has been called, but I'm not sure about Helen. There is some mix-up in her papers. I am certainly glad I came, as I know if I had passed up the opportunity I would have felt miserable and disloyal. I have the feeling of satisfaction which only comes when one is doing his duty. I only hope it will be a duty well done.

I had a nice long letter from your mother. Her letters make me feel as though I were right there.

Well my dear, I must finish, and to wake myself up a bit will go take a dip in the lake. The lake is beautiful, and such sunsets and sunrises-I have never seen the like. The cloud formations are superb.

Will put in the snap of the old maid.

Write me when you have time, even though I don't answer. Buy someone cakes for a party with this good dollar bill.

Love, Frank