Grandpa, October 28th 1941

Dear Dolores:

Since you are so intent on being a “pest” I suppose I should write “Dear Pest.”  How could I be so rude?  Really Hun, I think you are anything but a pest.  If you are such a one, I must confess that I wish there were more pests, however I am interested in only one and that one is you.  I believe we can settle this “pest” question this week-end.

FDR delivers a speech
(I believe this is the one that Grandpa was listening to).

The Chief Executive - Pres. Roosevelt - is interrupting my powers of concentration.  I am interested in hearing what he has to say, but I fear I will not be able to write very well, while trying to listen to his “plan”!  Why can’t he wait until I have finished writing you?

Can you smell paint Dolores?  You could if you were here.  In fact I painted until 10:00 tonight and still am not finished.  I am glad to say, however, that the kitchen is completed.  I am hoping to paint the back room tomorrow.  You will see I didn’t get as much done today as I had hoped.  I left here this morning before 9:00 to go to the hospital for my glucose test and it was noon when I got back.  Then I had to take time out this P.M. to go back for the report.  Had it not been for all that time, I am sure I could have gotten much more done.

Would you be interested in the report from my test?  I was very much interested and also pleased.  The result was normal so I have nothing to get worried about.  The doctor said “Go home, eat, drink, and be merry.”  Just how literal should I take those orders?  Anyhow I was glad for such a favorable report.

Dolores, I was more than pleased with your letter this morning saying you were still planning to see me Nov. 1st.  Really, thought, I wouldn’t want to be responsible for having you miss your brother’s wedding.  I understand the situation and wouldn’t blame you if you had decided not to come.  Even so I am glad you are planning to come up here.

I guess I didn’t make myself plain concerning the bus I thought it would be best for you to take.  Of course, I thought you would be taking the late bus since it would mean quite a bit less time on the road.  As I said I would be pleased to have you arrive earlier, but it would be a much harder trip for you.  I am sure the plans you have made are best.  You see we are still agreed after all.  I’ll be seeing you Kalamazoo at 4:55 P.M. Saturday.  O.K?  I’ll be sure to be there.

This has surely been a rainy day here - a good time to work inside.  Late this afternoon it turned quite cold and right now I believe it is nearly freezing outside.  The weather forecast is snow before morning.  Boy! do I appreciate my heater?  It surely gives me a lot of comfort.

I have several matters of correspondence that must be taken care of before I go to bed and it is late now so may I please be excused from this to get my other work done?  One thing is a matter of transferring two church letters and that is a new experience to me.  I must also write the pastor of the church where I am planning to be in meetings next week.

Until tomorrow, Good night -

With Love,

Ted