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