Grandpa - Oct. 6, 1941

While the photo that Grandpa mentioned was no longer enclosed, here is one of the two of them together:

Dear Dolores:

Another Sunday has come and gone and for my part it has been a pleasant day The services here were very well attended – in fact the best attendance since I have been here. Perhaps I should be gone every week!??? In spite of the fact that I felt somewhat weary from traveling during the past week I did have a fine time preaching. The Lord wonderfully helped. Of course the weariness wasn't entirely from traveling. I began to figure up a little and discovered I had been running behind on my sleep for a few days. Wonder why!! No foolin' – it was really worth it.
This morning I had people in my congregation from California and Washington. Of course they didn't come all that distance just to hear me. They were visiting friends and relatives in this community. There was also a man and his wife visiting here who was pastor of this church 30 years ago. Thinking he would like to preach here again I asked him to take the evening service, which he kindly consented to do. Of course it was a help to me, but that was not my motive in asking him to preach. He preached quite a lot longer than I do. Older men have a tendency to do that you know. Even the younger men are guilty of that at times.
As I have already suggested I was very tired when I finally arrived here yesterday. Traveling conditions were excellent yesterday until I got to Hillsdale. From there I had a lot of rain. It was nearly 2:00 pm when I got to Hillsdale, and after doing my business there and going to different places to see my folks it was 6:15 before I finally arrived here. You will of course wonder why it took me so long and that is what I am about to explain.
Coming out of Dayton I picked up an army fellow. He was from the Air Division at Patterson Field and was going to Chicago. Here is what happened. I thought I knew the road fairly well, having been over it before, so so I didn't bother to look at the road map. When I got to St. Marys I turned off on route 33. I knew this was the road I should take but after driving a few miles I began to detect that the road was not at all familiar. The soldier friend, with whom by this time I was pretty well acquainted, looked at the road map and insisted we were alright so I kept driving. Finally I decided to take a look at the map and see for myself. I did it and was I completely disgusted – mostly with myself!! We had gone thirty miles east on 33 instead of west. Sixty miles of extra driving!! What a bad disappointment. I had a notion to come back to Dayton instead of coming home. That is the worst mistake I have ever made in all my traveling experiences. Perhaps you can imagine how I felt. Well, I turned around and came back. I arrived in Pioneer, OH just in time to eat dinner with my twin-sis. By the time I got here I had traveled just 1440 miles since leaving here a week ago tonight. I was too tired to study so I went to bed at __? Guess when!! 8:30 is right. And what time do you think I got up this morning? No, not 6:00, although I did wake up then, but it was nearly 7:00 before I finally arose. Bad habits I'm getting into am I not? I'll do better tomorrow morning.
My house seems much more home-like since I got back, Dolores. Guess why? It is your picture. Really, I am very proud of it. Perhaps I am a bit vain, but I hope not. I have it right before me here on my desk. The folks at home all thought it was a nice picture, even Uncle Albert and that is quite a confession for him.
In closing, Dolores, let me say that I had a wonderful time last week. Having you along is what made the trip so pleasant. I feel that I know you much better now and I'm not disappointed. Will write again soon,
Love,
Ted

P.S. I am enclosing the picture that I had planned to bring and also the folder for mailing a film that Mary E. asked for. Give her my regards.

Yours, Ted.

Grandma - Oct. 5, 1941

Here is a Michigan/Ohio State poster from 1941. Grandma seemed intent on maintaining a healthy team rivalry between her team and Grandpa's team during their courtship. Did she ever become a Michigan fan?

Dear Ted,

Look, I'm keeping my promise. Of course I wouldn't make a promise I didn't intend to keep though. However, if I sound “groggy” you know know why.
I wonder if you missed the rain. I hope so. It rained here quite a bit today. Mother, Mary Evelyn an I went to town a little after 10:00 but didn't stay long. It started raining and we didn't want to run around and get wet. We had some perfectly good umbrellas at home but they didn't seem to do us much good. Strange, isn't it? Of course, we're not sugar nor salt but you know how it is. Anyway I wouldn't have stayed very long even if mother had. I could hardly keep my eyes open. Do you suppose it could be because I was up a little late last nite?
When I (or we) came home we ate a little lunch (really!) and then guess what I did? I went upstairs and slept. How did you guess? I slept for about three hours straight but I'm still sort of sleepy.
Ted, I want you to know what a wonderful vacation I had and all because of you. I really enjoyed every minute of it. It was awfully thoughtful of you to invite me and I'm truly glad I could go.
Guess what? I have Monday off. Can you beat that? I'm really glad though. However, it just prolongs the agony of going back to work but maybe I won't mind so much. I might as well make the best of it.
The Ohio State – University of Southern California football game ended not so long ago. It was played in California and Ohio went out there not expected to do so well but they came out with the amazing score of 33-0 (in their favor of course). Isn't it wonderful? Ohio won't be able to hold them now I'm afraid. I understand that Michigan also came out ahead today but with a much less imposing score – 6-0. (Don't glare at me).
Speaking of football – the game Mary Evelyn wanted to see last nite was another success in our favor. Our old alma mater wiped up the field with their opponents to the tune of 33-0 – the same as Ohio State. It was their first league game too. I hope they keep it up.
I've written notes to Ivone, Miss Hatch, Mary Lou and Joyce. They were all so good to me. I forgot to write down Ivone's address when we got home but I think I remembered it. If I don't have it right, it will not doubt come flying back to me. I put my return address on it.
This has been another lazy day for me but I'll bet you didn't sit around or stay in one place very long. I hope you accomplished all you wanted to. I wouldn't want to be the cause of your neglecting your work – at least not to any great extent. You know I want you to put first things first. And I'm really serious now.
If I've forgotten anything I wanted to say tonight I'll try to think of it tomorrow. In the meantime I'll say good-night,

With love,
Dolores

P.S. Mother says to tell you “hello” from her.

P.S. #2 – Don't forget to send that picture. Please.

Grandpa - Sept. 25, 1941

Dear Dolores:
Not having had a letter since I last wrote you, there really isn't much to write. This will probably be the last time I will be writing before I see you since I suppose you will be leaving for Detroit on Saturday. At least I suppose that is what you have planned. I really wish it might be so I could come to Dayton for you rather than ask you to come to Detroit. But you understand something about the obligations of a preacher don't you, Dolores? I am sure you do. Regardless of the obligations and inconveniences – I wouldn't change it for anything I know.
Today has been a slightly busy day around here – in fact it seems like almost ever since I have been here – there has been lots to do. With the help of one of the men from the church, I have managed to get some of my new wall paper on. I think it looks very good – even if I did pick it out. By tomorrow noon I think we will be all finished. I sure hope so because I can think of a lot of things I would rather do than hang wall-paper. I would like to have you see this “bachelor's house” after the paper is finished and I am all settled, but it is certainly in a sad state of affairs right now.
We had a good attendance (good for this church) at prayer meeting tonight and I felt a very good meeting. The people here are very definitely praying people for which I am glad. They certainly need to pray for their preacher. The don't pray long and loud like the Pharisee. It is more the humble prayer of the Publican.
Well, Dolores, I am still planning to meet you at 8:00 Monday morning as I stated in a recent letter. I haven't heard your approval or disapproval so I'm taking it for granted that it is alright. I'm hoping for a letter tomorrow. Unless I get lost in the city or something else happens, look for me at 8:00 – No later!
My last reminder to you is don't forget to bring the picture. 'Be seein' you soon, but not too soon. Good-night now!
Lovingly,
Ted

Grandma - Sept. 25, 1941

Here is my best guess as to the cars that Grandma and Mary Evelyn saw at Stomp's:

Dear Ted,
Here I am, behind you again in number of letters but I don't care if you don't. Do you? Of course, as you say my time is limited. I work all day while you have all day to loaf around and write letters. Alright, don't glare at me. I'll be good.
Ted, don't scare me again like you did. You really had me worried when you said you would meet me at 5:00 A.M. I nearly passed out before I read farther on. My mother can verify that. She wondered what was wrong with me. She even thought you were serious until I explained to her. Of course I would have been ready at that unearthly hour if you had really wanted it that way, but I sure am glad you were only kidding.
I thought I had my cold just about licked yesterday and this morning, but I'm not so sure tonight. I coughed more than usual this afternoon and this evening I've started losing my voice Consequently, I've got to get busy again tonight and fight harder. Then again, I might let it go and if I lose my voice completely, I won't have to work tomorrow. Say – that's an idea! (Not such a good one though.) You ought to hear mother when I jokingly suggest it to her. She looks at me as if she thought my mind is affected. Sometimes I wonder myself. Time will tell.
Guess where we went last night? Mother's toe was getting worse again so Mary and I chauffeured her to the doctor's. The last time she went was when you were here. Remember? Mary and I window-shopped while mother went to the doctor. And by the way, it certainly was funny to see Mary park (the car). We found a parking place pretty close luckily. She took so long that about 3 people stopped and waited for the place not knowing whether she was coming or going (and hoping she was going). One fellow just shook his head and finally drove on. When Mary listened to me and turned the wheels like I told her, she got along fine – and I'm not bragging please. It only took her a couple of shakes to get out.
While we were downtown we saw them unload 8 new Chevrolets at Stomp's – the place where you had your car fixed. They were really good looking – even Mary acknowledged that and when she goes “ga-ga” over a Chevrolet, you know it must be good. There was one in particular that she liked. Some of them were built similar to the new Buicks.
You know, my voice is getting worse and I don't know if I can do anything about it. My throat isn't sore, it's just my voice. Laryngitis I guess. The best thing I can do is keep my mouth shut and you know that will be tough.
I really should write to Gladys and I have a skirt to press. I was just thinking that I'd better not write you any more letters this week. I'll see you before you'd get it. That will be better anyway, won't it?
Love,
Dolores

Grandpa - Sept. 23, 1941

Grandpa notes that this letter was written at 5:45 am:

Dear Dolores:
It is really too early in the morning to write a letter, but since I didn't get it done last night, I feel that I should do it now. I must just as well make a confession right here, Dolores. I really thought I would wait until tonight, thus making you wait an extra day, but my conscience disturbed me so I decided in your favor - (I hope it is?) You didn't know I had one of those things called a conscience did you? I really do – surprising as it may seem.
I was both surprised and pleased to hear from you yesterday. You do so well writing – how could I let you down! After all I realize your time is somewhat limited, but don't forget that every effort is greatly appreciated.
So sorry to hear of the unfortunate experience Adyllis had in getting the flu. Perhaps she has recovered again by this time. I hope so. Extend my deepest sympathies to her. Of course that wouldn't be very comforting. I surely hope you will be able to avoid it, Dolores. If you should get the flu and spoil the trip we have planned – well, it would just make me unhappy. I am sure you won't do that will you?
Oh, yes! The Northern Lights you mentioned. They were certainly beautiful. I saw them every night last week I believe. Twice I got up at 3:00 in the morning and they were far brighter then, than they were in the evening. This is quite a lot farther north than I usually find myself this season of the year and the lights are really quite a sight from here. I didn't see them last evening but there was a very nice light hanging in the western sky. Guess what? Just a little “sliver” of a moon! It should be nearly full-grown by next week. I hope so. I'm looking forward to a swell time.
When I started this I only had one eye open, but the other one has at last succeeded in making it's way through, so I am wide-awake now. Must get breakfast and be off to work. My “cook” isn't up yet. Ha!

I remain yours – Ted

Grandma - Sept. 23, 1941

Dear Ted,

Yes, I know I'm a little late. I know I should have written yesterday, but after I explain you'll see why I could hardly have done it. Before church there was no time – I don't get up early enough for that. As soon as we came home from church there was the dinner (of course) and I was elected to make the salad since I had requested that particular kind – waldorf, do you like it? I love it. After dinner you know what happens, don't you? Adyllis's friend from the country was here again and we had planned to take her home for a visit both for her and ourselves (she rooms in town). So we started immediately. Father had to work, so there were just 5 “fems”. We got way out in the country near her home and guess what happened? A flat tire, no less. Were we ever bored! To top it off, we had had a flat tire Sat. evening and after using the spare, we all had neglected to have the other fixed for a spare, so there we were –. Incidentally we had picked up a nail both times. Isn't that the limit? Well, Adyllis and her friend Orpha started out to find a telephone. They found one and called Orpha's folks but to no avail – no one home. However, at the place they called there happened to be a young fellow whom Orpha knew. (he was a neighbor as country neighbors are reckoned – 4 miles away). Anyway, he very generously offered to fix the tire himself and brought everything to do so including a bicycle pump – the only one around the place. He did get the tube patched though and pumped up but upon investigating found a nasty gash in the tire. The other tire we had was not better, we discovered a similar cut in it. Things looked tough but the young fellow said it might get us home but at least it would get us to a garage 4 or 5 miles away. We slowly made our way to said garage where we had a boot put in. We thought we were all set, but lady luck was not with us unfortunately. About 4 or 5 miles from home (along the road I took you that night and told you it was where Mary E. first drove, remember?) I'll bet you can't guess what happened. That same tire went flat!! I don't know if the boot slipped or what but I think the tube was just no good. By this time were getting the “wim-wams.” Mary E. and I were supposed to be at the church at 6:20 and Orpha was supposed to be back at 7:00 and it was now about 5:00. We hadn't even stopped at Orpha's home. All we had done was sit along the road – mostly. This time Mary and I started out to find a telephone. We phoned father, who was home from work by this time, and he arranged with a friend to come and get us and bring out a good tire and tube (which were home in the garage all the time). By the time they got there it was 5:45 and we weren't ready for church or anything. However, I'm happy to report that we made it just in time. I had intended to write you before getting ready for church in the evening but you can see for yourself how impossible that was. Remember I had to give my little talk I told you about. Well, we didn't get home until after 10:00 o'clock and I was too exhausted and sleepy (I'm sorry to say) to hardly pick up a pen. So – to make up for everything I'll write you a longer letter. Will that do? As I look back I'm ashamed to see that it has taken me 4 pages for an alibi. That's terrible but I do hope you'll try to understand a little and forgive me for having to bore you with such a lengthy explanation. Perhaps, though, you've been a little amused. It's rather funny to us now but it certainly wasn't yesterday.
I've already told you that we finally got to the church where we gave our talks. We went with the president of our society and her sister. They even came clear out to our house to pick us up since our car wasn't ready in time to take us down to the church. Mary and I got along fine. I wasn't nearly as nervous as I thought I'd be – in fact I was hardly scared at all. See – I didn't need your sympathy at all. The folks from our church said we did better than we did the first time which I guess was only natural. The other people all remarked upon how they enjoyed our talks and they sounded sincere but I don't know. I didn't do so good but I rather enjoyed it in a way and I at least have the satisfaction of knowing I did my duty to the best of my ability. Please don't get the impression that I'm all swelled up on myself or that I'm a bit vain about the whole affair because really I'm not. I certainly know my shortcomings and weaknesses along that line.
I taught a Sunday School class again yesterday morning (without warning). I was seated in my own class all prepared to enjoy someone else's teaching when in pops the superintendent and pounced on me – not literally of course. He graciously told me that the little girls I had taught once before were without a teacher and were asking for me. Poor things, they didn't know what they were asking for. They're awfully nice girls though and answered questions swell.
You know, I think everything happens to me. In spite of all our care precaution, here I am the week before my vacation fighting a cold! Can you beat that? I can't. I think we took our precaution too late though, because I slept with Adyllis in the early stages of her cold and no doubt contracted it then. We only isolated her when she got real bad and I guess it was a case of locking the barn door after the horse was gone. Of course hers developed into flu. In fact, she hasn't entirely gotten rid of her cold yet. I sure hope mine doesn't get any worse. I'm going to doctor up tonight and go to bed early so I can get plenty of rest and sleep. I'll let you know the outcome.
Say, Ted, I was under the impression that you were getting my letters sooner than you evidently have been. I expected you to get one Thurs. & Sat., but according to your last letter you didn't get one until Fri. & probably one today. I'm sorry about it. I always get your letters the day after you mail them and I thought you got mine as quickly, but I guess you haven't. You ought to write to the government about such poor service up there. Our mail is delivered twice a day and once on Sat. How often do you get mail? I suppose you have rural delivery or something, don't you?
I imagine your home is going to be lovely when you finish painting and papering. How many rooms do you use now? Not too many to keep clean, I'll bet. How are the meals coming along? Have you gone calling very many times at meal time yet?
I wrote to my friends in Detroit and explained everything and they say we're welcome for the weekend etc. They even said you could stay there over night if you wanted to, but I guess that wouldn't work out so well would it? We're going to go up Friday night so we'll be there a couple of days. It will also be a nice trip for the folks. Father didn't get to go up last time.
I'm going to stop so I can start to get ready for bed. I'll be seeing you in a week, so until then –
Love,
Dolores

Grandpa - Sept. 22, 1941

Dear Dolores:
How I did enjoy your last letter! Perhaps it is because I had to wait an extra day for it. I wouldn't have you think I don't enjoy all your letters. I do! This last one seemed especially good.
I must confess that I always feel greatly relieved when the benediction is said for the evening service. You might think I don't enjoy preaching. That isn't it. I do enjoy it, but Sunday is a hard day for a preacher and I think it is quite natural for one to be glad when the day is finished. It has been a good day for me. I found it easy to preach in both services and that is a great help. Perhaps the people found it hard to listen – you 'spose!? I hope not!
How did you and Mary Evelyn get along in the missionary service? You did very well I am sure.
Guess what! One week from tonight at this time I'll be on the road to Detroit. We should be able to get started by 9:30, perhaps at 9:00 if I don't preach too long. I think I'll plan a 15-minute sermonette. How will that be? You wouldn't by any chance guess that I am anxious to see you, would you? Regardless of what you might guess – I AM! Of course I won't be seeing you until Monday morning, but when I get to Detroit it will be some comfort to know that I am in the same vicinity you are. About the time I will be meeting you! About 5:00 Monday morning. How will that be? O.K.? I'll be there. That will give us a good early start. I wonder what you are thinking right now. Perhaps it will be better if I don't know. When I wrote “five o'clock Monday morning” I looked at your picture here on the desk before me and you frowned. Ha! That's mean of me isn't it? I was only kidding, Dolores. I'll be serious now. No foolin', I really can. I will make an honest effort to be at the Lakewood address at 8:00 Monday morning. Would that be better? I am sure it would.
With all this nonsense I am writing you'll think I am crazy – or something worse. Don't get nervous. I am maintaining my mental equilibrium (what I have?) but I must admit I do feel rather silly tonight. Perhaps you have never seen me that way and maybe you would rather not.
Say, Dolores, in your last letter speaking of me mopping floors and washing dishes you used the word “industriously” with a question mark following it. Just what does that imply? I guess you know men don't you? Ha! Anyhow I get the dishes clean. That is obvious from the dish towel.
Really, I am finding it awful hard to be serious tonight. Forgive me for my frivolous nature, please.
I too am so sorry for Mrs. Manny and her family. A broken home is terrible. It is too bad that such things have happen. Don't worry, I wouldn't let on to the Mayfields that I know anything about the difficulty that is prevailing there. I have only seen them once since I saw you. Unless my hopes and ambitions fail I will be going down there when the hunting season opens. More fun!
I believe I have rambled far enough tonight – haven't I? Be seein' you!
Write!

Love - Ted

Grandpa - Sept. 19, 1941

Dear Dolores:
Hello again! The letter from you I was hoping for didn't come this morning, but I'm going to write just the same. Just because I didn't get a letter is no reason why I should hold out on you. It may be my own fault that I didn't hear from you. Yesterday morning just before I put your letter in the mailbox, I discovered I had it addressed to 1328 Martel Dr. instead of 2813. You will notice that I corrected my error. It happens that when I was getting ready to write you last Friday night, or rather at 1:00 Saturday morning, I took my typewriter and addressed three envelopes. The one I sent yesterday as the last of the three. I may have made the same mistake on the other two. If I did, perhaps you didn't get them. At any rate I mailed you a letter last Saturday morning and also one Monday morning. Enclosed in the one I sent Monday were some snapshots. I surely hope you got them. If you didn't get them, let me know and I'll send for more.
I am still in the process of getting settled. Yesterday and today I spent “pushing” a paintbrush in an effort to get some progress made. I have the painting nearly finished – all except the final coat in the kitchen. Incidentally, would you be interested in knowing what color I am painting the interior of my house? It is white throughout. Is that O.K.? The new wall paper will be put on next week I think, at least I hope it will be no later.
The way my plans are now, I will be going right from here to Detroit Sunday night, Sept. 28. One of my church members – and incidentally, a very good friend of mine – works in Detroit. He will be coming home that weekend and we will go back together after church that night. I will spend the remainder of the night – if there is any left??? with him at Bogley St. and meet you Monday morning. How is that? O.K. I hope!
May I say good night with this brief note? I will admit that it is short, but perhaps it will do – I hope!
As Ever -
Ted

Grandma - Sept. 19, 1941

Maybe this is what Grandma's workplace looked like:

Dear Ted,

I'm really doing good, aren't I? I don't know, but I think you're still one letter ahead of me. I'll do my best though.
I wonder if you saw tonight what we saw. Mother, Mary Evelyn and I were out riding when mother and I noticed streaks of light in the sky. Then it got brighter and turned color. We couldn't imagine at first what it was but they soon announced over the radio what it was. They said many people had called in regarding it. I guess people get panicky when something unusual like that occurs. You're right it was the Northern Lights. This is the first time I ever saw them and I was thrilled with the beauty. We even stopped along the highway and got out of the car to see them better. It's rather unusual to see them this far south. I remember Gladys said she saw them last year up at their place so no doubt you have seen them at some time or other.
I'll still getting birthday gifts! I wish this would keep up all year. Yesterday I received a pretty beige sweater from my brother in Detroit and cologne from my friends there. The cologne is a different odor than what the Mayfield gave me so I'm very pleased. Anyway, the other cologne is going down pretty fast. Mother got a lovely purse and compact from the same parties. More fun!
Now look, Ted, I wasn't really looking for sympathy when I told you about my little talk and you're right – I didn't expect it anyway. I know I haven't anything to “kick” about. I'm truly glad I don't need to prepare two sermons or such each week. Of course I might do better I had had more “learnin.'” Besides, I think I told you once not to take everything I say like that too seriously.
About my working hours – I have what I believe are the best available where I work. They are from 8:00 a.m. till 5:00 p.m. with lunch from 12:00 to 1:00. Of course if I could work exactly what I wanted to most of the time it would be from 12:00 to 1:00 with an hour for lunch. Aren't those ideal hours? In the evenings when I don't go to dinner or meetings or riding, I stay at home and read, or fix clothes, or iron (rare), or argue with my sisters, or play (???) the piano (joke), or listen to the radio, or write letters – mostly write letters (lately). I wonder why? Now, can't you just picture what my days are like? I hate to think of some of the pictures you might conceive from what I've just told you. Don't think too harshly of me and my “activities.”
I noticed that this time you corrected the address on the envelope. Did you know that a couple letters reached me with the address backward? It's good that the postal employees are used to delivering mail from you to me by now. Otherwise they might have landed in the “dead letter” office – the letters of course, not the postal employees.
Mary Evelyn's hay fever is much better and we had just decided to let her go back to her own bed (and that way I would have my own room again) when guess what happened? Adyllis came down with what we thought was a terrific cold but which the doctor she works for diagnosed as the flu. So we stuck her in my room all by herself. My room seems to have become an isolation ward more or less. We thought it best though because neither M.E. nor I wanted to sleep with her and contact anything – especially since M.E.'s resistance is low due to her hay fever and my vacation is just around the corner. That would be very unpleasant if I “came down” with something now, wouldn't it?
Well, Ted, I'm getting sorta' sleepy and I still have another day to work before I have a day off again. I have Saturday and Sunday together off. Isn't that wonderful? I'd better hurry upstairs and have mother braid my hair before she gets in bed. I'd hate to get her out of bed just for that but she braids it so much nicer than I do.
Just 10 more days. I suppose they will pass though. Good-night again and pleasant dreams.

As always,
Dolores

Grandpa - Sept. 17, 1941

Dear Dolores:

Feeling slightly weary from the day at the convention, this letter may be short, but it will at least be an honest attempt. You remember I wrote you that today was our District Missionary Convention. The services were good and I felt richly rewarded for going even though it was a hundred-mile trip. It was my responsibility to conduct the devotional part of the service this evening directly after which I came home. Pictures of Africa were to be shown and it will no doubt be late when the service was finished so I up and left.
Dolores, were you really seeking for sympathy when you wrote about the program you and Mary E. have next Sunday evening? Should I feel sorry for you? I do if you are worrying about it all the week, but why worry? That will be no help. What do you think about me – having not only one service to think about – but two, and that every week? Of course you will reply that I am qualified for that. I'm not so sure. Anyhow I feel very much incapable most of the time. You should be glad for the opportunity to do such work. I am sure you will do very well.
Say, were you by any chance “poking fun” about what I said about hanging out the window waiting for the mailman? Ha!! Perhaps you took me too literal. I'll take your advice and be more careful, but I still eagerly await the arrival of the mail. You guess why!
Yes Dolores, I too agree that it is alright for us to forget who “owes” the letter and just keeping writing. I am indeed very happy when I write and much more so when I receive your letters. You have so been very prompt and faithful. Really, I do appreciate that fact. Please keep it up.
Do you remember I wrote you that I was going to have new wall paper and paint in my house? I went to Kalamazoo yesterday and “picked out” the paper and also got the paint. Incidentally, I felt that it was a woman's job to choose the paper. You should have been along. After we get it on you will have to come and tell whether or not I used good judgement. Oh yes, I also got a new linoleum rug for my living room. A wool rug would have been nice, but I think I will have better success keeping the linoleum clean. Get it?? I got the painting just about half finished in one room before leaving for the convention this morning. Tomorrow I will be painting all day.
Say, Dolores, what are your working hours now? I often think of you through the day (also the night) and wonder just what you might be doing. If I knew your working hours, it would give me a better idea of where you are and what you are doing.
With the directions you gave me I feel sure I will have no trouble finding you in Detroit. If you are in the city, I'll find you. Leave that to me. I will let you know later the details of my plans.
Already I have written more than I intended to but I have enjoyed these few brief moments. Hope you have too. So ---- Good Night!

With Love,
Ted

P.S. Give my regards to the family, even to Dusty. Sorry not to have mentioned this more frequently in my letters. - They were all so swell to me!

Again,
Ted

Grandma - Sept. 17, 1941

Dear Ted,
Your letters are sort of “ganging up” on me but I love it. The fact is you're spoiling me. If you ever decide or get too busy to write me often, I'll miss it.
Thanks oodles for the snapshots. I would send you some of mine but yours are really much better than mine. If you would like some though, let me know. You should have told me you had that picture enlarged. I wouldn't have needed to go through all that agony – maybe. I suppose I would had to have keep my promise though. You know that “close-up” of me? Gladys's mother told me if I had my mouth shut it would look like a corpse! Imagine that. I told her I would probably die with my mouth open anyway – I have it open so much of the time (according to my family).
I got my proofs today and we're having quite a time deciding. I wish you were here to pick out the one you like. (That isn't the only reason I wish you were here though). We have eliminated it to 2 but haven't decided definitely yet. There were 6, so I guess we've accomplished something. I want to settle it tonight so I can take them back tomorrow. It would be tragic if I didn't get the finished pictures until after our trip, wouldn't it – or would it?
Honestly, Ted, I would just love to walk in on you while you were industriously (?) mopping or washing dishes. That would really be a treat. All joking aside though, I'll bet you get along splendidly.
About the question you asked regarding the trip. I really think it would be best to come to Detroit or as far as you can Sunday evening and then sleep before starting to N.Y. However, I trust your judgment enough to know you'll do what is best for you. When you decide, let me know about what time to expect you Monday morning so I won't oversleep. You know me.
Gladys's mother is here tonight. She has more trouble, honestly, and it just seems to keep piling up. Sometimes I wonder where it will all end. And by the way, I would rather you didn't let on to the Mayfields or anyone else that you know anything about the Manny affair – at least for the present. I didn't think you would but I thought I'd ask you anyway. Thanks.
I got the cutest gift from my soldier brothers yesterday. It was 2 weeks late but worth waiting for. It's a little basket made from grasses and reeds. It stands about 3 or 4 inches high and is about 6 inches in diameter with a little cover. Some Indian women in Louisiana made it. I like it so much.
You should have seen me yesterday. It was one of my days off but I was really busy all day. I cleaned the whole house while mother washed. I did some extra work in my own room – cleaned drawers, put away summer clothes and got out fall clothes, etc. Then I washed some clothes and ironed them. I went to 2 groceries and wrote 2 letters. Last but not least, I prepared supper – of it anyway. I made vegetable soup and I prepared all the raw vegetables. We used 3 cans and since I was writing when it was time for them to go in, mother did it for me. In fact, I didn't even know when she did it – I intended doing it myself. I made the dessert though and set the table, etc. Oh, but you should have seen me peeling and cutting the onion! I dislike them and dislike even more to cut them. Such a time! I did everything I could think of to get the odor off my hands but haven't been entirely successful yet. I'm very unhappy about it too. I'll never peel another onion again – not even for vegetable soup (and I love vegetable soup).
There's so much talking going on, I can't think of anything else. I know I couldn't fill another whole sheet so I think I'll quit and go to bed – really.

Good-night, Ted.

Love,
Dolores