May 10, 1947

May 10

Dear Doc,

I'm waiting to go play tennis so I shall start a letter to you.

Thank you for the letter today.  I really hadn't expected you to write Wed. as you promised.  On a "free day" one is able to find a million things to do- besides  letter writing.  I am pleased you "lived up to your promise".  I saw "Honey" excused you time for it.

There are many things I want to tell you so prepare yourself.

I enjoyed your letter.  I'm convinced a day off is really most effective.  You seemed so very happy.  Strange how moods are reflected in everything - considering that I guess my letters must be quite dull.  There is no doubt in my mind about that.

Spent a wonderful day off at home.  Jo is there now and we had fun trying to cram a million things in two days.  I was quite disappointed though, I missed seeing my brother who had to leave the night before.  As you know - He is the one, Bill who is in the regular Army Air Corps (for your information) and is going on a supposedly "secret" mission to Alaska.  Naturally all minds turn to Russia, whom I consider a threat.  Anyway getting back to the original subject - what subject?  He is going there, Anchorage, for six months to help "line up" more B29 bases.

Doc, I must go - more later.

Oh, I feel wonderful!!

That is a rare mood for me as of late.  The tennis was pretty good and I am stuffed with hamburgers and beer - Really Doc, there is no reason (I say here) why you could not be here enjoying it.  Anyway I thought of you.  That will have to be suffice.

Really Doc, I was rather shocked to hear you of all people thinking about the "perfect crime."  Why don't you read Dostoevsky's "Crime and Punishment"?  Dostoevsky is widely accused of writing about monsters and neurotics.  Neurotics, yes, monsters, no.  I think you would enjoy it and perhaps yet a few ideas.  It may be somewhat grotesque, but nevertheless life.  The "garbage deal" wouldn't do - I, beginner that I am, knows that.

I am convinced, people really are not appreciative at all - at least one Doc Rounds.

excuse the change of paper but the first was going to be a note.  Getting back.  I should think you would be quite ashamed not attending a Pops concert.  you are right, we take so much for granted.  They sound like such good fun, I would think "one" would make a definite point of going.  I haven't heard any concerts on Tuesday evening I go to church.  I am hoping you will "report" you have gone.

Say, Doc, never could I try your plan for relieving oneself of their troubles and worries.  Gosh, I'd be worse off if I had to write letters with the sole purpose of tearing them up when completed.  I'd be a case, if ever.  I feel for the poor recipients of my so-called correspondence.

Sunday

Happy Mother's Day!  Something drastic must have happened last night as again I have started one of "those letters".  So please bare with me.

As for the summer plans, after June I shall be known as "Vagabond Annie".  I am going to roam without a care.  I'm tired of leading such dull life - so watch out - when I take that attitude.  Speaking of traveling - ye gads, man, what in the world are you going to do at Niagara Falls?  Of all places, Doc, what no imagination?  But on second thought you may be contemplating marriage then I guess it would be alright for you to take the "Honey" to Niagara.  Frankly, there are a million other places I'd like to see - I shall not elaborate.

I really have done nothing exciting to report, tennis,   , and little fun - however, I am going to "make up" for it royally this summer.  I am happy to report I am no longer on private duty with Mrs. Aldis.  She is a dear old lady - but oh my nerves.  (I'm as bad a speller as you think you are)  One must have the patience of Job in order to get along with her.  She is very much better.  It is more fun when one is not on special.  We have a pretty good hose, mostly all young people.  30 and younger - it is hard to believe.  Heavens what is happening to the young?   And you wanting to commit the perfect crime.

Oh yes, Doc, I want to wish you luck on your search for that rich young gal.  Do you think you'll ever find her?  Say when you do!  find out if she has a brother.  I'd be interested.

Thanks for the stick of Blackjack.  We all enjoyed it.  I picked up your letter on my way to the treatment room.  The gum was "chewed" three way.  Another nurse, Dr. Headle and I shared it. May I suggest three sticks if received Saturdays.  I'm only kidding - Thanks.

Doc, I have a million things to do - Excuse me for now - 

I completed only a half million things in need of completion.  It is amazing how fast time passes.  Good heavens, it is hard to believe I have been here seven months.  Seems just a week that I donned my white stocking.  Say, Doc, that is really something to see.  Good thing we have no men patients in our building. Now, isn't that a wicked thought?  Think I'll ask for a transfer for the remaining time at the San.

Dr. Headle has been doing some interesting research with psycho-drama.  Last week the patients produced the first drama.  It is a private affair and only the participants, Dr. Headle are admitted.  Dr. Headle is young and eager to pass on his knowledge so has invited a few of the nurses to attend if they wish.  So I shall - Wednesday.  He has selected on of O'Riel's, gosh I just can't remember which - but any of O'Riel will do for psycho-drama.  I'll try to give you a rough idea.  He selected patients to play a certain character in the play is related psychologically and reading and portraying the part relieves tension, nervous and mental bearings.  I've done rather badly rereading above.

So good night, Doc, I'll enclose the poem about San Antonio.  Just to get it out of my sight.  Can't understand how such a horrid thing got in my hands.  It is quite apparent the author did not know the S.A. I did or perhaps he did not know you - 

Doc, are you bored?

As ever,

Anne

Please excuse this terrible letter!  I need a rest