22 May May 22, 1945
Posted at 13:42h
in Letters
V-email
from: Mrs. G. Shonkwiler
to: George W. Shonkwiler
May 22,’45
Tuesday, after midnight
Noteworthy: average May temperature in Chicago, 52 degrees.
Darling,
I’m writing only a V-mail tonight, ’cause my arms and hands are so sore from digging dandelions and mowing the back lawn yesterday. I also feel a sore throat coming on. I’m in bad shape, aren’t I? You mentioned in a letter that I had money in the Pullman Bank in my name. If you remember correctly, I drew it all [out] when you were home in July and it helped pay our income tax and real estate taxes at the time. Today, however, I deposited the $75 money order, so I’ll have it for Sept. taxes. I also ordered a wagon 26 1/4 x 14 inches (with steel wheels, rubber tires, and steel axle) for Ronnie today. I felt he should at least have one outdoor toy, cost $8.23 and will be delivered Sat. I got it instead of buying myself a Mother’s Day gift. He should have a tricycle too, as the one Gene gave him doesn’t steer right and is too big for him. He’s the only kid who doesn’t have a wagon and tricycle in the neighborhood. For my present I may buy a set of breakfast dishes, as I hate the chipped ones we have now. Do you mind? See you next page.
Bye now, Love, Mom and Ronnie.
Next page. Tues. May 22,’45.
Page 2. Hello, again, Honey,
I also bought a blue jacket and trousers for Ronnie today. He just can’t wear anything he had last year, he’s grown so, altho he’s grown only 5 inches and not 6 as you said in your letter. I invited the Pages down for dinner tonight. We didn’t have a very fancy meal, just veal stew (with carrots and potatoes, peach and cottage cheese salad, and coffee and ice cream with strawberries (which Mrs. Page brought down) and chocolate cake. After Ronnie went to bed, Mrs. Page and I went to the Beverly to see [the movie], "Meet me in St. Louis" and Mr. Page stayed home with Ronnie. It was a cute picture with Judy Garland and Margaret O’Brien. When we came home at 11:30, we had coffee and more cake. I’ll be getting fat yet, as I now weigh 113 lbs. thanks to evening snacks. That’s the most I’ve weighed for years. You will be sorry you criticized my <? deaderaendy>. It rained again today, and also [was] very windy. Our average May climate has been 52 degrees this year, and that’s low. I finally remailed that xmas pkg. that was returned to me last week. (I substituted fresh candy of course and put in some fudge mix. Your French friends can prepare [it] for you.
Bye now, Love, Mom and Ronnie.
