January 18, 1947

Thursday

Dear Doc,

And so again I shall start another letter to you.  Since I received your last letter I have made several unsuccessful attempts.  But this one, I vow will get to you, if I have to deliver said contents myself, in person.

This being a most quiet Thursday evening.  Everyone in Bark House has their day off including myself but had to work because I was off yesterday due to this damn miserable cold.  I've tried everything, from sulfa to scotch, but to no avail.  Anyway, as I was saying I am alone but not as fortunate as you, Mr. Rounds, to be home alone with "Honey."  

Now, really, Doc, you honestly don't believe you have convinced me that "Honey" could be a dog.  How could you Doc?  Tell me about her, Doc.  My, the right setting, Frank Mum and everything, you certainly do think of everything, Don't you?

We shall leave it at that.  With the famous last words I know better. 

We, both Jo and I were most interested to hear the details about Bill's wedding. Frankly, I think it will be mighty good for him.  That is, if Barbara can tolerate it.  It will give him something else, besides himself to think about.  Of course, Doc, you are going to visit the happy couple.  Who knows (never mind I was going to say something catty)  I think you should except said invitation, after all, Doc, I'm sure Barbara, being "the sweetest and best wife in the world" wants to meet the friends of her sweetest and best husband.

Sounds just like Bill, "Yep I went and did it," just as though he were buying ticket on a raffle or something of the like.  But we should be considerate - Bill is a fine young man - Best intentions and if he is happy I envy him.  He certainly deserves it as there really is such little happiness in the world compared with the unhappiness one must endure.  Yee, gods this writing!!

Speaking of having tonsils removed. (That seems to be an everlasting subject of conversation with the Roberts, Rounds friendship)  By all means, have the darn things extracted.  It really is nothing at all.  Even though I would not go through the "slight operation" (so it is called) again, second thought, I guess I would.  Do get them out before they get too bad as I made that mistake.

I'm afraid this letter is terribly dull, so if you have an engagement with "Honey" or anything else to do go right ahead.  You will be missing nothing at all.

At present, I find myself unprepared to give you a full detailed report on Benzedrine .  I shall try to remember to look it up at my first opportunity.  For safety sake, my dear, Austin Lincoln Rounds, I would exercise restraint, if I were you and would not indulge too heavily.  Incidentally, what has Benzedrine to do with Accounting and General Business?  Or is this extra curricula activities?

Saw "Henry V" It is a fine thing.  Really worth seeing.  I'd like to see the thing again.  Frankly, I believe more people would understand Shakespeare if he were produced in the same manner as "Henry V".  Olivier did a truly fine job.  Think you would enjoy it.  See it if you get the opportunity.

I have taken a job doing secretarial work an hour and a half after I get off duty for the old alcoholic I once told you about.  Anyway, she thinks she can write and I guess she was pretty good in her day - But!!  And of course, I don't mind.  The writing I do in one day is nil as she lies down on the bed, gets up, goes to the bathroom, comes out, gets her knitting, sits down, has me help her move the chair, gets up, closes the window, turns on the heat, led down again, gets up, paces the floor, opens the window, turns off the heat, goes to the bathroom, coughs, coughs some more, lies down again, finally jumps up saying, Miss Roberts you've had a hard day, you may go now!

Do I wonder - How long before I go bats?  The doctors say, she loves having me, so what am I to do?  Just keep her happy, they say.  I'm beginning to believe I should charge her more.  After all!  Anyway, she has loads of dough and she may leave me several million.

Seriously though, I think, God, if I can make the old girl happy by just being with her, that is the least I can do.  She is quite interesting.  Spent most of her life in Paris (no surprise she's an alcoholic) also traveled all over Switzerland on foot.

That would be fun, don't you think?

Someday I'll do something foolish (so people say) like hiking out West, or taking a youth Hostel trip someplace.

This is a very bad letter.  I must continually apologize for my letter writing.  Per usual I shall try to write a better one next time - 

Jo sends her love - 

Thanks for offering Bill's address.  Guess he wouldn't be interesting in hearing from us.  As I wouldn't care to write.  Do send him our congratulations when you write, please - 

Write again soon - 

As ever,

Anne