30 Jan January 30, 1945

V-mail
from: Mrs. G. Shonkwiler
to: George W. Shonkwiler
Jan. 30, 1945
Wed. 9:10 P.M.
[page] 1

Dearest Wes,

Sorry I slipped up on writing yesterday, but couldn’t think of anything to
write, and I was pretty busy last night making a new pr. of overalls for Ronnie
to wear to a luncheon at Edith’s today.  He just didn’t have a thing to wear.
They’re a red scotch plaid and he wears them with a white blouse.  He looks
like a cute little Scotchman!  Of course our Ronnie looks cute in most anything,
with probably no credit to my sewing, or is it?

I was about to drive Muriel to the station yesterday A.M., and also planned to
put an add in the paper for my remaining 3 pups, but in spite of the new
battery, spark plugs, and points the car refused to start, so will have to keep
the pups another week as the ad deadline at the Index Is Tues. noon.  I called
Packard and Dan Regan came out and replaced 2 spark plugs again and it started.
I asked how come more plugs [were needed] when they just put in 6 last week?
He gave some excuse about the gas one gets now burned them out.  See you in
next letter, all our love, Mom and Ronnie

Next letter

Jan. 30, 1945
Wed. 9:30 P.M.
[page] 2

Dearest,

Say, by the way you’re really having luck with the cards, or is it skill?
What is that old saying, "Lucky at cards, unlucky at love."  I hope that isn’t
true in your case.  If so I hope then no fault of mine because if it remains
true after you get home, I can honestly say, I love you more every day, and
hope you feel the same way.  Maybe it’s because "absence makes the heart grow
fonder," but I don’t think so.  It may be because in your letters you are more
<eloquent> than otherwise, altho still a bit reserved in both letters and
person, too.  Edith said today they got a V-mail dated Jan. 17th from you.  [I]
Just heard wonderful news over the radio.  Russians are only 63 miles from
Berlin, also that the 3rd Army are again in Germany. Oh, how I hope and pray
that they get there and soon.  Keep your chin up, darling and it won’t be long
before you and I and Ronnie will be together again.  Francis tells me Al Evers
is on his way overseas, his address: Pvt. Alfred T. Evers, 36902906, 228 GEN
Hospital, ARO 17604, % Postmaster, New York, New York.  Margaret’s brother left
Camp Ellis in the same Medical Corps.  Well bye now and good night. I love you,
Mom and Ronnie.

Next letter

Jan. 30, 1945
Wed., 9:35 P.M.,
[page] 3

Darling,

Here I am again!  We’re still having cold weather.  The forecast is 5 degrees
below for tonight.  Do you know that we’ve had snow on the ground since
Dec. 1st, and it hasn’t melted at all, but just keeps snowing and getting deeper
with each snowfall.  I guess it’s somewhat of a record for Chicago.  My Nov.
21st to Dec. 21st gas bill was $38.64, and Edith says her current bill for

Dec. 21st to Jan. 21st is $39, so imagine mine will be $50, because she keeps
her house cooler than ours, and I also have the upstairs.  Isn’t it awful?  I
suppose I’ll get my bill tomorrow, and I hate to see it.  I rec’d your Jan. 15th
letter with M.O. [money order] yesterday, and can certainly put it to good use.
It’s just in time to pay my state and city car license and my insurance.  I
wish I could save it, but if you were here you would understand that as
impossible.  I’m already beginning to wonder about taxes and Ronnie insurance,
which will come soon.  No use worrying however as things will work out somehow,
I know.  My only big worry is your health, good night, Darling,

Mom and Ronnie