March 31, 1947

March 31

Dear Doc,

I'm specialing a feeble old lady, perhaps you remember I told you I was doing some secretarial work for her.  My fatal mistake!  As she just "adores" me and as hired me as a special, which is much to my dismay, however, if I make her day just a little more pleasant I am satisfied.  She is quite sweet - well, to get on, I have escorted her to the O.T. shop and find myself with an hour and a half which I shall spend with you.  If you have no strenuous objections.

Please pardon this horrible paper but it is all that is available.  We must not be choosy!  Mustn't we?

Your very nice letter was quite pleasing to receive this morning.  I was quite amused with your operation.  Oh dear, How I wish I could have been there.  Sounds like you had a jolly good time of it, but please, Doc, take it easy.  I can sympathize with your poor mother - What you need, Mr. Rounds is a special nurse to keep you in bed - May I apply?  Guess I ran mother ragged when I returned from the hospital.  By the way, how long were you there?  Massage the first night, huh?  Same magnetic personality, Doc, massages usually never come until later. Pardon time out to accompany Mrs. Aldis to the bathroom - Oh joy of life, at last I found you!

Now I shall continue, as I was saying, Remember my first day home, I pleaded for a steak - Mother submitted.  Boy did I have a time.  It was fun.  I think of it now and it seems quite funny. One enjoys being pampered - and I loved it.

Speaking of him, we are going home for a short visit after Easter, not being able to get off for Easter.  Oh, for some of Mother's good cooking.  Guess I told you they were going to San Antonio. No thanks!

Received letters from Doctor and he said yes, he remembers you very well and sends his best.  He is trying his "darn best" to get us to come down.  Would enjoy working with him very much and may consider a winter there.  He is a fine, fine person.

The O.T. shop is very pleasant.  Classical musical is played during each period, which makes for atmosphere.  That's for me, I am a fool for atmosphere.  Amid the piano concerto of Greig can be heard pounding, female chatter and everything else your imagination is capable of, but it is restful.  Some lovely projects are turned out daily. One of the patients is doing weaving, She is weaving some linen placemats and they are perfectly beautiful. I admire her patience.  Weaving is quite fascinating.  Jo and I are making the doctor a desk set.  Can't say when we will finish.  Fine Christmas present, I'd say.  It is a great deal of fun.  Something I've never done before.  It is amazing, the wonderful new things there are to do in this wonderful, wonderful world.

Have you seen "It's a Wonderful Life" ?  Pardon the incoherent speech, I may have asked you before - but you know, Mr. Rounds (forgive me for calling you Mr. Rounds, I'm not being formal) questions really should be answered.  Anyway, it was a very good movie.  Best I seen in a long time.  Frankly, Sorry I must leave, Dear old girl is tired so I shall finish later - Bye!

Say, Doc, let's take a vow?  Will you number your paper?  I promise to, however it will be difficult.  This is April 1st and we are waiting for Laura so I shall continue.  We are going out to one of the nurse's homes for dinner.  Wish you could go along.  She makes the best New England boil dinner I've ever eaten.  Not having ever been to N. E. I don't consider myself an authority but they are superb!  If I ever do get to N.E. I shall eat myself silly of seafood.  Also drive myself "dots" listening to the Boston Symphony.  One really must attend a concert to enjoy it at it's best.

Oh yes, my little rat, (how sweet) Let me tell you a thing or two - Speaking of operations, I believe you can say no more about your tonsils.  Did you know I had 6 stitches? 3 on each side, top that, can you?  Oh, it was painful!  Oh hell, aren't we silly - Gosh I think I'll have an operation - One finds so much to say!  Let's see, what shall I have taken out?  (That question was not meant for you, was thinking ) When I see you I shall rave on for hours!  Hypocondriatics to say the least!  

Must close, Laura is here and anxious to go.

Enclosing a sheet done the P.M. Hope you can stand this "jabbing"  Write again soon.  We enjoy your letters. Also take care yourself - you are a sick man - But you can gain weight.

As ever, 

Anne

Tuesday

Doc, while my pet takes her nap I shall continue my letter to you.  you will probably get very bored with my "moments of freedom" letters.  Guess I had better return to knitting.  By the way, are you taking orders for the snuggles? Don't forget, you promised a photo!

Listen my little rat, gosh man, where did we ever pick that up?  How affectionate, little rat - I shall tell my grandchildren about "the rat".  Second though, I won't!

Doc, tell me more about Mary.  She sounds like a wonderful girl.  I remember her by her picture very well.  I envy her taking the recent Y.H. trip.  Say, little rat, will you ask her about it?  Guess we could get some information from Monrae Smith but I'd rather get it first hand.  Jo and I are quite interested in a trip through New England, Sounds like a wonderful way to spend a summer.  Will you do that, please?  Anything relating to the Youth Hostels will be interesting.  It is a beautiful, beautiful spring day, April 1st = Boy I have the fever - and that ain't good.

Mrs. Aldis is calling - 'cuse me.