23 Aug August 23, 1945

Letter
from: A. Shonkwiler
to: PFC George W. Shonkwiler
Aug. 23, 1945
Thurs. 10:20 A.M.

Darling,

I’m trying to get your letter written in the morning lately so that I can get
to bed earlier at night.  In fact I’ve been in bed before 11 o’clock two nights
in a row.  Isn’t that an improvement?  Early two bed, early two rise, etc.

Ronnie and I went to Brandt’s to shop at 8:30 this morning.  We bought oranges,
peaches, bananas, milk, tomatoes, cream, etc.  For breakfast we

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had orange juice, wheaties with sliced peaches and cream, toast (whole wheat)
milk, and coffee.  Doesn’t that make you wish you were here?  Of all the
inducements I offer, it still seems as tho I can’t get my husband to come back.
Guess I’m slipping for sure.

I had a letter from you yesterday, dated Aug. 14th and said you were going to
the Riviera for a furlough.  I’m so glad, but guess the Riviera is something I
wouldn’t

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even try to compete with.  I’m only jesting (as you say it) and I know you’d
gladly giving it up to be home. -- Or would you?  I saw the Pathe news of it
and it certainly looks exciting, and also the fact that no saluting or even
reveille, must help to make it an ideal spot.  Also the beautiful women,
entertainment, liquor, nightclubs, opera, etc.  Poor me I have to be content
with a few

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days at a lake.  Tain’t fair, is it?  All kidding aside, I’m tickled that you
had the chance for a furlough, as you need the rest and relaxation, so you can
come home all full of pep and ambition.

Marge’s birthday is today and I just now started to make her gift.  It’s a pair
of silk pajamas[,] Pale yellow with a tiny, dainty floral print, trimmed with
lace.  I’m making a pair for myself, too, so you’ll have a chance to

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see them - on me.  Both pr. will cost me only $5.00, where if I had bought them
they’d cost about $6.95 for one pair.  I hope I finish hers by tonight.

I did very little yesterday but clean house, as Judy in the 3 days I was gone
sure managed to get it dirty.  Carpets and also kitchen and bathroom were thick
with her black hair, plus dusty furniture.  Sure goes to prove that daily
cleaning is necessary in Chicago.

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This place accumulates more dust in a day than up at Elinor’s (Paw Paw Lake)
in a week.  Perhaps Glen Ellyn will be cleaner than here.  I hope so!  Someone
once told me I’d never get you out of Chicago or its vicinity and from what
you’ve written, guess it’s true, as much as I’d love to go west. - Maybe someday
when we retire.

Goodbye, now, and here’s just a bit more love for you to store up.

Love, for always,
Mom and Ronnie.