April 27, 1947

April 27

Dear Doc,

I really shouldn't be writing as my mood is most despondent perhaps the lovely music I am playing will cure my pains.

Arrived back Saturday at 5:00 am and found your letter.  Was indeed good hearing from you and it made the dismal morning seem pleasant.  I think I have had my fill, I really must do something different or I will be sharing bed with Mrs. Aldis.  Forgive me, I'll not say a word more.

Spent two wonderful days at home.  Seemed good sleeping until nine and the gabbing for hours over coffee.  Also played some golf but it was colder than H--  Came home and consumed a full quart of sherry which was just what we needed.  My game was unspeakable but it was fun getting out on the old course after such a long time.  Yee gads, Doc, will you ever be able to "shed" your red woolies?  Guess you will have to come to Wisconsin to enjoy the perfect climate.

Oh, De Rosenkavalier is going to be played.  Feel my spirits lifting already.

People are strange.  Considered a lengthy conversation about people but decided against it.  I'll not bore you.

Doc, I'm sorry you had to miss the Prom.  You really should have gone.  I'm sure there were many females just dying for the bid.  I'll continue tomorrow - Night!

Here it is Wednesday already and haven't done word more on this letter.

The past two days have been most pleasant so I think I shall stay home tomorrow (my day off) and do my many domestic duties.  Letter writing being tops of the list.

I really do miss Jo.  Gosh it really has been quite some time.  However, thinking about it she has been gone a month.  We haven't been away from each other for that length of time since High School.  It is possible but not much fun separated.  Perhaps we are too dependent on one another.  Second thought, we aren't at all.  It is lonely and most unnecessary - why we should not be together.  Forgive me, one of the nurses and I had a lengthy debate about the above - Gad, people have such narrow ideas.  But I shall change the subject to something less taxing.

Mrs. Aldis and I have a wonderful time together.  She is so very much better.  We have developed a very pleasing friendship.  All her life she has been unable to appreciate music, poor dear - gosh what she has missed.  Her husband died when they were only married a short time.  It made her very depressed, so she just avoided music. It is quite sad as she is a brilliant woman.  I have been teaching (desperately) her music.  Frequently we speak of the various symphony orchestras, so, Monday, grinningly she mentioned that San Fransisco Orchestra was going to be in town and asked me if I were going.  I wasn't as my budget wouldn't tolerate it.  I rather thought something was brewing.  So as I was going off duty she handed me a "token of her appreciation" and told me to take someone with me and get the best seats in the house.  That Ursula and I did and enjoyed it beyond words.  Doc, I think Monteux is wonderful - He rates along with Koussevitzky whom I thought could not be excelled.  The orchestra is touring the country so per chance they come to Boston don't miss it.  Cesar Fransk's D Minor Symphony was masterly performed.  I'm sorry you were not here.  I would have loved taking you.  I get so tired of doing such wonderful things with women.  Ursula is a darling girl, please don't get me wrong.  She and Jo are the only exceptions.

Must go to dinner - excuse me, more later.

Can't say I feel much better after our dinner, however, we must be satisfied.  I'd loved some lobster right now.  Reading the Atlantis Monthly I found the most wonderful recipe for lobster sauce, I must admit it is a rare thing for the monthly to be including recipes. Sounds good and the next time I get home I'll have to prepare it.  Don't laugh, Doc, I can cook - and love it.

By the way, tell me, about the race with AIC.  I am still holding the letter to return it as you asked - Say here's a good idea, I'll enclose the recipe for the sauce - Something for added flavor.  Sincerely though, I hope I won't have to. I'm sure you will come through with flying colors.

Speaking of flying, have you done any flying as of late?  Or have you really kept your promise to your mother to be good?

Have been trying most unsuccessfully to read Arthur Koestler's "Thieves in the Night".  I will .... or "blow" trying.

Soon school will be over.  Will you be relieved?  Need I ask?

Gosh, man, don't you get tired of this  raving?

By the way, you may retract immediately the pun, "Can't see the change of several years."  I'm referring to your remarks about the photos sent, after all, if you do not like them you may return "said photos" and forever hold you peace for more photos. I'll not have such remarks passed in regards to perfectly good intentions.  So now, what do you have to say for yourself?  I hope you realize I'm kidding I really don't give a d-- what anyone thinks.

Yes, the Boston Pops give the first concert Tuesday evening. Did you go?  I wanted to hear it but had to attend church.  So I'm hoping you will tell me about it.  Reading Dahl's "Boston", I'm wondering if I want to go East - Boston particularly.  Have you read it?  I'm sure not.  Don't believe the censorship would admit the circulation in the city.  I'll send you a copy (if I can find one) but please keep it undercover from the Watch and Ward Society.

Doc, are you confused?  Have I ever mentioned more than one Michael in the family?  No, he is the only one named Michael besides my dad.  Also may I say - without boasting, the picture I sent was not one of the cuter ones of him.  I'm not partial either.  I have proof.  He really is better looking than the photo.

Must close - as I have a million things to do.  Excuse the delay - but you should know by now - I am a terrible correspondent - Some "pen pal" I'd say,

As ever,

Anne

April 21, 1947

April 21

Dear Doc,

I really don't know what to say about the flowers, In fact, I still can't believe it and every time I look at them,  I think about you and wonder if they really are from you.  You are sweet remembering.  It does mean a great deal, more than you realize.  Thank you, Doc, for them, I send you a "peachy kiss" via the mail - which I think is a mighty poor via, however that is the best I can do right now.

This will be a short note.  Ursula and I played some terrific tennis the afternoon after getting off duty. Gosh, I am stiff.  More tomorrow.

Hope you have received a decent letter from me - the short noes are dull.

Thanks, Doc, you are a dear - 

With love

Anne

April 17, 1947

Thursday

Dear Doc,

I have been wanting to write you for quite some time but honestly I have been busy, really busy.  Mores. Ladies, my patients has been desperately ill.  Gosh, I thought she was a goner.  She is much better and now I can breathe easily again.  Enough about her, heavens I see her all day.  I hate special duty, never would I go on it unless to nurse a charming young man with vitality.

Jo is not at home, she is staying with Elinor in Valparaiso.  The Stevens' family has a wonderful addition.  A boy, who Jo writes is a darling.  I'm anxious to see him.  Guess I'll go down for the  week-end.

Oh Doc, let me tell you about the Roller Derby, better still I'll send the rules so you may get some idea of the game.  It's wonderful fun.  You'd love it.  Really is more exciting than the wrestling matches we attended in S.A.  It gets pretty rough when the women start slugging each other and pulling hair.  Oh boy, just my meat!  The skaters travel at a terrific rate of speed.  Oh yes, another good thing about the Derby - Beer  - plenty of good cold beer is served ---- Have you little wonder?

I surmised your letter was written with a new Reynolds "ball point" pen.  I have been trying to resist temptation to buy one but now I'm convinced.  They are too "thick".

Good heavens, Doc, you have no reason for feeling badly about the prom invitations.  I'm sure you shall have no difficulty "rounding" up a date.  Say how about "Honey"? I'd love to come but if it can't be arranged there is nothing to be done.  So I shall say no more. Have a good time and tell me all about it, if you'd like.

Hope it is nothing serious with your mother.

Explain what you mean by "I'm a damn Yankee and the blood runs deep."  I've never heard that expression.  Haven't heard about Damn Yankees since S.A.  Got this piece of so called poetry from a long lost friend who is still stuck there.  I consider it all the untruth.  Guess I'll write one on the virtues. I have plenty to say on S.A., I mean.

I must tell you about Ursula, one of the nurses.  She is a German refugee and oh, what a fine, sincere person.  Monday she and I attended the concert.  Heard the Chicago Symphony.  Was De Fauve's last concert with the orchestra and I think his best.  Saw him once before but thought he was rather dull and flat, not flat musically - but disinteresting.  (I'm having a slight difficulty with disinteresting).  The program was fine and the company superb.  We really had fun. It really is a pleasure being with her.  She know music very well, plays the piano beautifully - having given several concerts in Germany and also while she was in a concentration camp.  I tell you, man, she's fascinating.

I don't know how long I shall continue working at the sanitarium. Probably until the later of May.  Being is I really need a vacation.  Don't know what I want to do but this I know - I'm going someplace I've never been before to do something different.  Feel rather weary - which is a signal for a change.

The beer, scotch party sounds like fun.  I'm dying to go on a good stinko party.  I want to get all out of my system.  Something to compensate for the months of quiet living.  Mother had a charming little party for me when I was home, one martini and I was ready for bed. Incidentally, Doc, I am 21.  It was sweet of you to remember - you see, I read Jo's letter.  Feels no different but I can drink beer with a clear conscience. 

I'm dead - must get to bed - will write more tomorrow - Night!

Friday

Just got off duty and I've made myself very comfortable in bed so I shall continue as I am going to the Derby this evening.  Sunday is the last day so I'm going to get as much of it as I can.

Guess I've been doing a lot of photo promising so I shall submit.  These are some "right queer" ones we took while at the cottage last fall.  Was a good afternoon - very pleasant.  Jo and I were demonstrating some of wrestler Morallis's famous last holds.  That is Michael with us.  He's darling, don't you think?  Guess I was saying "peaches."

No rest for the wicked, Doc, so I will have to leave for now.  Must go down to the village before dinner.  Excuse please!

Returned and I shall try to make a favorable attempt at finishing this so as I can mail it.

It is raining - not violets either.  I got pleasantly soaked but it was good.  I enjoy walking in the rain, I have fond recollections of many fine times in the rain with you - Remember the evening we  walked to Evie's and stopped for fruit - some of Burbank's freak creations.  What was it?  Plum and something else - can't remember!  Was fun - Sometimes I think of some of the crazy things we all did and really wonder - We really did just as we pleased - not really caring what anyone thought.  That is as it should be - I'm a firm believer in doing as one thinks best for oneself.  Something or anything that will make that person happy.  Because you know, what might mean or bring happiness may not necessarily be happiness for someone else.  That is a poor way of saying what I want to say but I guess you can gather what I'm trying to convey.  Don't mean hurting others to please our own desires, because if it is a good, noble intention it will be good for us as well as others.  Heavens, how did I get started?

I've said my bit - 

Received a letter from the doctor.  He has quite a practice in progress.  For the present he has his office in the Medical Arts Bld.  You know where it is, do you not?  Same place Jo had her tonsils removed.  He is well and happy.  I'd like very much to see him.  It's unfortunate there are such few people like doctor in the sorted place we live.

Tell me, have you heard from Bill?

You asked about Ruth, she is still at Holff and Marx. In the Junior Section.  Oh boy, what a junior!  Guess she's alright, haven't heard from her - news via Evie.  She's a good kid, a lot of fun.  She certainly had some rough times.  Ah ha, Bandera - 

I really must close - Be good - Write soon

As ever

Anne

April 14, 1947 - from Jo

Monday April 14

Dearest "Doc".

I may as well begin this overdue letter with the best and most important news I know and that is that I am once again an "auntie" to a new nephew born April 2nd!

We are all enthralled over him and at the time I am with my sister using whatever nursing technique I've acquired thus far!

This is Monday afternoon.  Michael, the baby and my Sister are all snoozing, so I grabbed at this one free moment to write to you remembering that you were waiting for a bit of information regarding Anne' birth date, that to get to the point cleared is April 19th!  I know that she will be surprised just to know you might have "remembered".  She doesn't know about the fact that I am writing this letter to you!

It is perfectly heavenly in Valparaiso.  An ideal day for hiking or just fooling around out-of-doors!  For the past days the weather has been very damp and cold, so now that ta really nice day has come along, we are all more than grateful and quite excited!

I have taken an emergency leave of two weeks and honestly I'm loving  every minute of being away from that place for awhile.  Confidentially I think I needed a little change - but it will be good to get back again too!

My Sister and brother-in-law were unable to get a nurse in this city, so Mrs. Stevens came for a few weeks, but not being a Spring Chicken she was once, it was too much to ask of her, so now I'm going to see how great my perseverance is at this "tender" age of mine (a gluten for punishment if I ever heard of one)

I have some delightful music on the radio - some of your favorites "Offenbach's -Now Hydra, ah contentment!

This is all for now, Doc, I must write to my Mother now, she hasn't heard from me for so long she most likely thinks I am dead! - So write whenever you find the time - to the Sanitarium.

Hope you and your family had a nice Easter!

Sincerely, 

Jo Roberts