a little bird told me…

Warm Water and Oil

Interesting observations in this letter: Helen comments on the beginning of what will become known as the Cold War with communism. Post war Russia staked claim on several European countries that became part of the Communist block.

Helen also notes the complacency of the citizens in our country and that it is high time for us to be alert. She also ponders our dependence on oil from countries in the "Near East." She believes we will be vitally affected. It is a sad state that we are still dealing with these situations some 68 years after she penned this letter.

On the other hand, it give me warm fuzzies to see that my great-grandfather (Daniel F. O'Connor, Sr.) was held in such high regard by his peers.

Vol. 19, No. 2 [Helen}

Dayton, Ohio
Dec. 6th, 1945

Dear Irene and All—

So sorry a delay was caused through insufficient postage. Cannot understand it as I took the precaution of having it weighed at a postal station.

Certainly enjoyed this round of letters. They seem to grown more interesting with each volume. I am wondering how long it will be before they are compiled and presented in book form. I do want to be on deck to read it, don’t you.

We are experiencing a big thrill in having our little family united. I believe our separated lives have only made love dearer and give us a greater appreciation of one another. Dick will undoubtedly be leaving us again to resume his studies in Toledo. Naturally, we do not like to give him up so soon, but as Longfellow puts it in his Hiawatha,

“Thus it is our children leave use,
Those we love, and those who love us!”
And, after all, who are we to deter them.

The G.M. strike and all it involves is indeed crucial but I believe the impasse created by Russia recently is of paramount importance. It may seem far distant now, but I believe the repercussion will be felt around the world and may even be one of the causes leading to a third World War. I think a kettle of oil is boiling over there and we may well look to our laurels. I believe our nation’s complacent attitude was one of the major causes of this war and it is high time for us to be on the alert. I read a very interesting article, entitled “Warm Water and Oil.” It deals with the oil situation and our interests and stakes in the Near East. True, we can be Pacifists and ignore the whole deal, but I believe we will be vitally affected.

As for Alaska, Gee, I well remember Shan’s advice to Don, and while at the time it seemed a bit far fetched, I believe he had the right idea and now with our country in such a turmoil, I think our boys would be smart to give it some thought.

By a strange co-incidence, the day I received our chain letter, I was going through some old papers, and found the enclosed.(see below*) Am sure it will prove interesting to the younger members of the family who may not have seen it. You probably have a copy of it Shan, but if not, you may retain this one.
I think it is a fine idea for our small fry to start a Rump Chain. How about you starting it Nan?

Don’t you all think we should start the ball rolling on the re-union? May I suggest June as the time and Dayton or Columbus as the place. After reading some of the comments in this round, I think you would all be in favor of the “back to Ohio” movement. If we should make it Dayton, you could all have that longed for visit with Aunt Ellie. I feel sure Don will be home by then.

Dan, I am sure it would be lots of fun to follow through on your suggestion. It might be well to give a quotation, describing each member, thereby giving us a larger scope. Perhaps we can do that next time.

The Holidays are close at hand, and so I send you greeting and best wishes for a Merry Xmas and a very Happy New Year.

Dearest love,
Lala

No Announcement Yet

History was one of my favorite subjects in school (I rule in Trivial Pursuit!). I always knew that two Atomic Bombs had been dropped in Japan to end WWII. I never knew that the plan had been to drop NINE A-bombs on Japan. NINE! I can't even fathom what that kind of devastation could have been.

Vol. 17, No. 7 [Kay]

Sunday
August 11, 1945

Dear Gee, and dear family

Guess I’ll just have to succumb to getting hell for using this paper, cause I just plain ain’t got any of the regulation size. Rose gave me a sheet yesterday and I came home without it. I firmly resolve to sin no more—at least on that score.

Looks like Gee may get her open wish that V-J day would be here by “another round or two” of the chain. Do you all agree that the counter-terms are good ones? I do—because the Emperor can be used as a tool to accomplish Allied objectives. I am writing this letter about the exact time of Pearl Harbor was struck on Sunday afternoon, Dec. 7, 1941. “No announcement yet” the radio keeps reporting. I just finished listening to the University of Chicago Round Table on “Atomic Energy.” 1:30 every Sunday, and verra good!

Pawya got off on her vacation at noon. Mr. Lipscomb picked her up, to take her to meet the people she is caging a ride with to Capon Springs. R.H., David and I had a good weekend visit with Dan and his loves two weeks ago. You can see from the pictures attached this round how precious his babies are. And they are! The four of them are in N.Y. this weekend. Fancy their (atomic) energy!

I can appreciate Shan’s proposal on our individual reactions to the chain, because just this time, even before coming to his letter, I experience the subconscious reaction of listening to a group, each one having his say, and that’s that. Without comment or further discussion on what each had said—this particularly applies to the “topic.” Otherwise we all seem to artfully acknowledge personal topics, insofar as space permits. (Even though I agree with Rose on the merits of precise, effective expression, maybe one page is too limiting for achieving the best results of a chain letter the size of ours.)

I believe I suggested sometime ago, shortly after the topic feature was injected, that we each devote a paragraph, in addition to the suggested one, stating your reactions to the other individual reactions. This would be done, for example, only when it is your turn to suggest the topic to be discussed, at which point you have had the opportunity to read and digest all comments. I believe also that no one commented on this suggestion.

During this round, if we all hadn’t given thought to post-war problems before, we were certainly made aware of some of them. Thus our minds grow and our hearts, and souls. I thought Gee’s point, and her question to Dan on it, were interesting, and that he should have elaborated on it, if he felt the chain permitted at least some brief comment, and perhaps some helpful suggestions on how those interested in the subject might best pursue it, in his estimation.

P passed the topic to me and I suggest, since world affairs are for the moment keeping everyone planted in mid-air pending Tokyo’s answer, that we keep the subject open on how to improve the chain even further than it has been developed. I don’t think we should adopt a cut and dried statement as to whose letter we think is “best,” but that we should think up less direct ways to establish an alertness to each other and still keep within confines of chain requirements as to space, etc.

You will be glad for a follow-up on Paulie’s report that Rose was ordered to bed for a few days. We spent yesterday afternoon and evening over there and she was without pain when we left, and expects to get up this afternoon (per Howard this a.m.) The doctor prescribed some neat pills at $4.00 a dozen. I’ll let her announce her reactions to “Roseanna.”

Sarah, did you take Shan again? Lal reports you all are having fun. Things look better now for that reunion—with Dick and Don’s chances of being available improving—Don and his gang are O.K.

Geezer, we are still looking forward to your fall visit. Also that of the boys anytime they can make it. I repeat P’s sentiments on the Columbus O’Connors. Gene, why don’t you settle here instead of Calif?

Goodbye for this time, with love

K.

in the present day…
Budgets are due soon at work. I have been crunching numbers non-stop. There is a game in corporate America. It's called "Figure out how much you need for the next fiscal year and then pad the budget so when they cut your budget, it is the number you really needed in the first place." Surely we are fooling no one, but I suppose we feel like we won when we get our target number approved and the finance department feels like they have done their job when they cut our budgets. Everybody wins...I think. ;)

The Time Invites Me

Vol. 17, No. 3 [Irene]

July 25, 1945

My dear Sadie and All,

I am here at Walter Reed hospital, where I come two days each week, doing volunteer work in “Arts and Skills.” I am very much interested in the work and am learning many new and wondrous things. About the first of the year I will be ready to go on the Wards and then it will be even more interesting.

Thought I’d better dash this off here, during a brief lull, as I get plenty busy at home, once I get back at 4:30.

As usual, I enjoyed reading all your letters. Also the enclosure. I think that it is good to send along pictures. Somehow they make the miles surrender, leaving us all better friends.

Last night we were out with Col. Earl Phillips and his wife. He just returned from the So. Pacific and will now be located in Quantico. You all remember Earl, from Lima.

Janice is tired of loafing and is starting work at the Bureau of Standards on August 1st, as she had planned.

Jerry was supposed to go to a camp in West Virginia last Sunday, for the rest of the summer, but had a touch of Bronchitis, due to our vile weather of the past two weeks. One day the humidity registered 100%.
And it looked like London, outside. What is that expression? “And the fog just sat there on his haunches”—while we tried to breathe. Hope to get Jerry off this Sunday.

Frank and I may go down to Miami Beach while J. is away. It would be a good chance for me to “Scram.”
Gee and Larry, Carolyn and Nan, it will be grand to see you in Washington. Hope that you all can arrange to spend some time with us.

Janice went to a champagne dinner party, at Evalyn Walsh MacLean’s home. She throws them every Saturday eve. for the Soldiers at Walter Reed and one of the boys asked Janice to go with him. She held the “Hope Diamond” in her hand, and said that is almost the size of the bowl of a teaspoon, surrounded by 36 (at least 1 carat) diamonds. There, of course, was a plain-clothes man around at all times.

Shan, as to censoring the chain, I believe that we had better “Listen well, and reserve our judgement.”

It seems to me that our greatest post-war problem will be, for quite a long time, the Food situation. Food for body and soul.

We need it, for the body, to exist.
We need it, for the soul, to live.

As Dan had so truly expressed it, the world has been for so long without spiritual nourishment that we cannot treat it as only a post-war problem. I should like to bind your paragraph, Dan, with a favorite quotation: “He is a great man, who knows that he is small.” Oh, if we could, all of us, keep that thought “close by.” And right now, another favorite comes to me, which embraces my own sentiments. “If you have a loaf of bread, eat half of it to feed Thy body, and give away the other half to feed Thy Soul.”

“The time invites me,” so au revoir mes ami,

Irene

Perfect Trust

Vol. 17, No. 2 [Helen]

Troy, Ohio

July 16th, ‘45

Dear Irene and Family—

Certainly enjoyed to the fullest this round, the comments, the pictures and all the interesting news, and I concur in Shan’s opinion that this chain of ours is a fine achievement and something to boast about. Perfect trust, no enmity, heaps of love and devotion, and long may we carry on. It is a great tribute to our wonderful Mother and Dad and what a glow of comfort they must feel, as they smile down upon us.

Inasmuch as I write to all of you, I am sure you all know that Fred transferred to Dayton June 16th, with Army Air Forces, as Negotiator on Contract Termination. He finds his work most interesting. We have hopes of finding a house or an apartment there by September.

Dick was sent to Arizona, on the 1st of July. He is in Advanced Pilot Training and hopes to be commissioned in November. His address is—
A/C R.J.V. — 15359300 — Box 63 —
Class 45-H Sqd. 24 B.
M.A.A.F.
Tucson, Arizona

Did you all know that Aunt Rose Abbot had to undergo major surgery a few weeks ago? I see her quite often and she asks for all of you. She is recovering slowly and has certainly shown fortitude. Doesn’t it seem strange that the two remaining members of Dad’s family should be the eldest and the youngest?

I believe the greatest post-war problem will be the rehabilitation of the millions of our boys who will return wounded morally, physically and mentally.

Thanks for the compliment Shan and the encouragement bestowed, however, I am afraid, like Dan, that such a declaration, openly expressed might lead us into the territory “where angels fear to tread,” or can we all take it?

There is little news to impart at this time, so I will send the chain rattling on its way, without further delay.

Wishing the best of everything for each of you and with oceans of love.

Always,
Lala

P.S. Dan, I am one of the culprits with the missing letters. Am sorry and will send them pronto.

They also serve

Vol. 17, No. 1 [Dan]

New address: 152 Maple Hill
Forest Brook Glen — Wilmington
July 8, 1945

Dear Helen and friends:

As would be expected in a new household we have no ink, so posterity will have to squint if it wants to glean the pearls from this letter.

Eloise and kiddies arrived in Wilmington just a week ago today; and of course I was not very glad to see them! We put up at the hotel 3 days and then moved into our present house. Thank God for a full basement—it has inherited the overflow of our furniture (we are used to somewhat larger quarters).

So far as Shan’s suggestion for nominating the “best letter” is concerned, after full reflection, I am not in favor of it, (1) because some of you are naturally better scribes than the rest of us, and (2) I dislike the injection of family personal comparisons—it can only lead to bloodshed. However, I don’t rule the roost and if the majority of you like the idea I’ll string along.

We are looking forward to Gee and Larry’s visit this month, and to having Carolyn and Nan as guest this Fall.

As to the current topic on the most critical post war national problem, I agree that inflation, returning veterans and the food situation are all crucial questions. But for my money the stream runs deeper. The tremendous need post war is the same as it was pre war—the fundamental obligation for man to behave like a human being toward himself and toward his fellow man— to search his heart for the doing of good—to exhibit tolerance at every turn­—to use his talents not for self-gratification but to lend the other fellow a helping hand; for, power and greatness are in kindness, simplicity and selflessness. If you will, the overwhelming need is for an applied Christianity as distinguished from a mystical one. Give me these things and I will give you a world free from hatred and bloodshed and economic misery—and hell shall hold no horrors and heaven no urge. Amen

Who besides Irene has the energy to write the chain letter at 6:30 a.m.

One of these days right soon I am going to check the missing letters to the chain and advise the culprits.

Enclosed, and not to be removed, are three recent pictures of my darling children. Notice how much Jamie looks like Pauline.

Received notice of my continued deferment the other day. “They also serve…etc..”

We would be most pleased to have the F.F. Vosses call on us in Wilmington.

Love,
Dan

in the present day…
I've been gone for a week to attend the largest tradeshow in our industry. Every day is a really long day, so I didn't have the time (or energy) to post. As it turns out, there were several interesting things to blog about.

Roseanna

Let's see… Sadie—a nun— won five bucks from Shan playing craps! Love that mental picture. I can just see Sadie crouched down in her habit playing craps!

Vol. 16, No. 10 [Shan]

7/1-45

Dear Family:

Have just now completed reading the “chain” for the third time. Need I say more? It has become an institution that we can be proud of. I doubt if there is anything like it.

Was particularly pleased to have Dan’s endorsement of the “suggested topic” idea. I believe that it does add something to the exchange. Each of us who choose to respond should give the subject serious thought. I have given such thought to Sadie’s question, and find it difficult to respond adequately, but here goes: I believe that the important post-war project is for us Americans to get back to being Americans. Period.

Rosie: good news—may I presume to suggest her name! “Roseanna” can you think of a more appropriate or pretty name?

I spring another idea about these letters. Let each of us say in each letter we write which of the others’ letters we liked best. On this round I nominate Helen’s. Hi ya, Lal.

K, was interested to hear that Bernie B. is returning to civilian life. As you know he was always one of my favorite boys. When he rates a comment from you and me in this exchange, he rates.

Don’s address remains unchanged. There has been much news from him with censorship relaxed. A week at “Cannes” on leave, taking “his boys” via truck to Fontainblue, Versailles, etc. Incidentally, he has been made Adjutant of his outfit (chief assistant to Commanding Officer). Will enclose a summary of his duties as he sent it to us. Also a group picture of his gang.

Sadie, now look— you took me for five bucks in a crap game last summer and I have been counting on getting it back this summer. Your visit to Gee is OK on the way down to Mt. St. Joseph. Can you think of a better way back to Michigan than thru Columbus? Anytime will be right time. You have priority here. That goes for all of you kids.

Love
Shan

in the present day…
Off to San Francisco for work for a week.

The Veteran Betrayed

I cannot believe Veteran's hospitals were a problem in 1945 and they STILL have problems in 2008. I would think we would value our veterans more than that. They deserve the very best health care treatment.

When my father (who had spent 20 years in the military) had a stroke 15 years ago, he really wanted to go to the VA hospital. I told him that I had heard horror stories about the VA and he was NOT going there. He was convinced he would get the best care at the VA, because after all, he had spent 20 years serving his country. What a huge disappointment!

Vol. 16, No. 7 [Kay]

Dear Family

To follow up Paulie’s invitation for some “callers” this summer, I reckon she, well I don’t know how she reckoned, and she’s putting David to bed at this point, or I’d call her up and find out—she didn’t mention about you, Larry and Joe coming, Geezer—since receiving your letter saying you could make it, I’ve been planning to write you to say that the only thing wrong with the time you have suggested is that it isn’t long enuf and I definitely think and hope you will plan on 10 days and if possible 2 weeks, instead of 1 week. I haven’t made any final plans either so stick to this time and we will be guided accordingly in making them. The door is open for any and all others!

It was wonderful to see Dan after 2 yrs. Seemed like old times having him around. He looks marvelous and seems relaxed and happy. We are looking forward to seeing more of them when Eloise and the children come, by way of visits back and forth. Maybe they can make it the weekend you will be here Gee.

Will let Rose “adjective” their week at Capon Springs. They are due home tomorrow eve. Am going over after Church tomorrow for dinner and the day so will be there to greet them. When I can determine the appropriate time for me to get away from the office, I’m going to try to get a reservation there, but I think
I’m an optimist to even mention it ‘cause they are usually booked solid early in the season for the whole season.

Gee I’d love to have 3 of those pictures if you can send them. The one of E, P, and Joe; Ronnie throwing the snowball, and E. throwing the snowball,—(all of them are throwing plenty of sparkle,) and we all agree that we thought it was you at first glance. And doesn’t Don look like Shan? That is a wonderful expression of him. A nice little hut he lives in—maybe if they reduce the no. of points as is rumored, we will be seeing him sooner that we hoped.

The most serious national post-war problem is in my opinion, for the present, the treatment of World War II veterans—particularly the soldiers whose wounds are of the mind, thousands of whom are locked away in mental mantraps without adequate treatment. “For them and then tens of thousands who will follow them—there is no hope unless the Veterans’ Hospitals are cleaned up—drastically, thoroughly, and promptly.” The article “The Veteran Betrayed” I and II in the April and May Readers’ Digest present the problem forcibly and should be read by all. I have also had the benefit of first hand reports from 3 doctors from St. Elizabeth’s who are treating them—and they bear out the horrible statistics as given in the articles. I met 2 of them through going to G.W. University, and the 3rd one on the golf course this week. He has just returned from 22 months in the South Pacific, was treated, and was with Harry Hopkins’ son when he died.

Speaking of veterans, Bernie B. is being discharged and expects to be a civilian within 90 days. Guess I mentioned that he has been in Cuba since April.

Lal, you have been doing yourself a jewel in your crown in assisting the Dohans. Having seen them so recently makes me fully sympathize with them. What a tragic end to a tragedy beset family! When are you sending those letters you spoke of from your beautiful air cadet? We had a nice one from him recently.

Looks like I’ve reached or touched each unit except Irene and Sadie and Gene. Am writing you—Sarah, and
Gene—and for your information, all of you— on this business of resemblances between parents and children, you should see how much Janice looks like Irene.

A happy summer! Long may it stay as cool here as it has been to date!

Love,
K

Thou Shalt Not Steal

Several things about these letters bring to mind some comments. First, my grandmother's (Gene) letter is missing. Apparently she was really bad at keeping them. I selfishly want them so I can get a glimpse of my mother growing up. Pauline's letter speaks of Diane's (my mother) illness. I have no idea what that could have been.

Pauline also writes of my grandmother having her teeth removed. She had diabetes and had many health problems over the years, with circulation being one of them. However, her dentures scared the bejezus of me when I was little. When she would visit, she would have them in a glass of water on the nightstand next to her bed. She wouldn't allow us to chew gum in her presence—it infuriated her—young ladies did NOT chew gum. She said our teeth would fall out—and the dentures were living proof. I got caught chewing gum in her presence—once—that was enough for me. Grandma O’Connor was more of a proper, cocktails at 5, dress properly, act properly at all times kind of grandma. These letters give me a broader perspective of her personality. Being around her often frightened me, but through these letters, I can see that she had a hard life. She was a single mother raising two kids at a time when most mothers were at home baking—not out in the work force. Things could not have been easy for her.

My other grandma (my Dad's mother) was the plump grandma that baked all the time (cakes, pies, cookies, noodles, you name it—she made it—from scratch). We were allowed to run barefoot all over her farm, we climbed in the barn, fed the farm animals—very different from the more “proper” O’Connor side of the family.

Vol. 16, No. 5 [Gene — letter missing]

Vol. 16, No. 6 [Pauline]

Washington, D.C.
June 7, 1945

Dearest Gee and Family:

I am assistant nursemaid to David this week while R and H are away on vacation. The chain letters arrived on June 4th and K. forwarded them to me at Rose’s, so I’ll do my part to send it on its way.

I think Sadie’s choice of topic is very good. To me it seems that one of the major headaches is the task that lies before those responsible for rebuilding Germany. By this I do not mean its cities, but its citizens. From birth, the minds of its youth have been poisoned and saturated with such unsound principles, and you have only to look at the picture of the very young boy on Life Magazine’s cover a few weeks ago, to see the arrogance reflected in his character. Since they have been educated to believe that Germany could conquer the world, I believe that the most important problem confronting the post-war planning is to concentrate on a method to completely revolutionize the education of German youth.

Since I have no little boy of my own to brag about and send along his pictures, I have adopted Don and attach the latest one received from him. Since each of you knows that one of the most vital of the Ten Commandments is Thou Shalt Not Steal, I am saying no more on the subject. Don seems to be doing fine job and regardless of the prolonged absence from home, we can thank God he is safe.

I received the same shock as Rose when I realized Joe Voss is the tall boy standing between Elaine and Pauline. And my though when I saw the picture of Elaine throwing a snowball was that you, Cecelia, certainly retain your youth. I would have sworn it is you. It is strange that such a resemblance shows up in a picture and is not noticeable in the person herself. I have never thought you and Elaine look alike.

We have been fortunate in having Dan twice recently and when they are settled in Wilmington, I hope to make a jaunt up there to get acquainted with his small fry.

To date I have no definite vacation plans. It is hard to even realize summer is here, as the weather remains extremely cool.

We had a nice visit with Frank and Bert Callahan last week. Their eldest son graduated from Annapolis yesterday and they were here for June week. To me Bert looks the same as she did the last time I saw her.

Frank is quite happy but just as handsome as ever. Two of their girls are here working and going to American University at nights.

In rereading Sadie’s letter, I just realized that her suggested topic is national politics and not international post-war problem, so I shall just add a thought, since I got off on the wrong foot. I think there will be a terrific number of unemployed people, even though the conversion from war to peacetime production will absorb many of them. As Sadie mentioned, we should have the power to preserve our food for the bread lines that will again form in this country.

Gene, I did not realize that Diane was so seriously ill and am so glad she is getting back to normal again. I am so sorry to know you are having your teeth extracted and hope the change will not be too hard on you.

I’ll take this home tonight and turn it over to Kay so she can add her three cents worth.

How about some callers this summer? We have plenty of room and hope to see as many of you as can make it.

Affectionately and with love,

Paulie

Vol. 16, No. 6-A

Britigny sur Orga, France
25 May 1945

Dear Pauline and K,

Received your letter the other day containing the Christmas package label. It’s certainly strange that it never came through as the address was correct—my serial number is not an integral part of the address.

As you can see my address has now changed. I am no longer doing Quartermaster work, but I’m Adjutant and Squadron Supply Officer of a Material Sq. which handles all types of supplies including Qm. So far I like it very much and believe the experience will be a great help to me after my release from the service.

Another change is that I’m able to disclose my exact location here in France. We’re stationed outside of a small village called Bretigny about twenty miles south of Paris which is quite convenient as an electric train can take us to the heart of the Queen City in a little more than an hour. Our Chateau is even closer as it is about seven miles from the base in a town by the name of Epinay.

Will enclose a picture that I had taken of myself in the office. I turned out fairly well.

Glad to hear that Dan is moving a little closer to you folks. You’ll be able to see a lot of each other now.

Hope that his luck will continue to hold out as far as the Services are concerned. I would be a shame to have to go in at this time.

Give my regards to all

Love
Don

Bombardier

Vol. 16, No. 4 [Sadie]

May 26, 1945

Dear Gene and Family:

Congratulations, everyone, on the record speed the chain-letter made this round. Let’s keep it up!

As usual, the letters are interesting—and history making. We have our first College graduate since Nan finished, and we are all proud of Janice, with her “T” pin. That is really something to brag about, and I know how hard she had to work to earn it.

Are you still thinking about the move to California, Gene? I wish we could all see you and the girls before you go. that is a long distance away from everyone. No doubt the change will be good for all of you.

Dan, I believe the last announcement about deferring men over thirty will let you out again, and I am very happy about that. I hope you have found living quarters by this time, and can bring your family to Wilmington soon.

No one would dare swipe a picture from Don’s envelope after Shan’s warning. They are very good, and will add to his “memory book.” Enjoyed Nan’s articles.

I was glad to see the pictures you enclosed, Gee. They are splendid, but I really expected to see the Cadet Nurse uniform on the girls, and still think they should have one taken, for the family to see, and for Kay’s album, as that phase will soon be history.

I didn’t know that Dick was in Pilot training, Helen, as you mentioned once that he was classified as a Bombardier. I am glad it has been changed, and I know he is too.

It sounds like our three Washington sisters are going to spend their vacation in the East this summer. It is wise to postpone the reunion to 1946, but I hope it will materialize then. I expect to be here until about the 1st week of August, and will go to Cincy for Retreat on Aug. 18. I may see some of you on the way down.

And now for the family quiz: At the moment, what do you consider the most serious national post-war problem?

My answer to that is the problem of supplying food for the world, and keeping enough for ourselves. It seems to me that Europe and Russia should soon be able to help themselves, and let us keep what we need at home.

No doubt there will be another problem by the time this letter reaches each of you. What do you think it is?

And now my space is filled, so God bless each one of you, and keep you well and happy.

Devotedly,
Sadie

in the present day…
Here's a meme that I picked up off a couple of blogs that I read. I saw it a Blogography first, so I will give Dave the credit.

Six Quirky Things About Me!

1. I can't eat peanut butter and chocolate together. I like peanut butter. I like chocolate. But together they make me vomit—instantly. Every now and then I pick up a chocolate chip cookie that someone has made with peanut butter—the result is NOT GOOD!

2. I collect old toys and board games. As a graphic designer, I love the graphics on old board games. I have a great old game board that is some sort of telephone game. It doesn't have a name on it, but I love the graphics. My most prized old game? Mystery Date—but not for the graphics. My sisters and I spent hours and hours playing that game when I was young. My nieces and I have a great time playing it now too!

3. I buy new pillows (sleeping pillows) frequently—probably 4 to 5 times a year.

4. I remember totally useless information—which actually comes in handy when playing Trivial Pursuit—I RULE at Trivial Pursuit.

5. Both of my thumbs bend backwards (past 90˚)—it's true

6. I have power tools in the garage that I have never used. For some reason, when I bought my house, I thought I needed power tools (of course, I didn't need them before). I should probably break them out of the box. Maybe I would use them more often if I actually remembered that I had them.