December 28, 1944

Dublin Core

Title

December 28, 1944

Creator

John C. Waller

Date

1944-12-28

Letter Item Type Metadata

Text

December 28, 1944



Hello honey!



Here I am again taking it easy after a couple of tiresome runs. We're on our way back at present and I'm sitting alone in one of the chair with table cars, equipped with my slippers, pipe, and snap of you taken on log at The Alford. It's purpose is to serve as inspiration you know.



If my writing wiggles blame it on the trains. We were right on time until about five o'clock when we ran into a thick blanket of fog. You can't see a half car length ahead so we're almost an hour late already. Wish you were here with me. You could give me one of your seven day kisses—the kind that used to make one weak. Heh, heh!



We had a little trouble getting started on this run yesterday due to a heavy frost. Everything was covered in white like it is back home when we have a sleet storm. It was really a beautiful sight but at the same time it made us a lot of extra work. Where we tried to water the train we found that all the hoses were frozen plus the lister bag in which our drinking water is kept. This happened about two o'clock with the train due to pull out an hour later.



The major soon had us all stepping lively carrying hot water from the kitchen car trying to thaw things out. It took almost an hour and a half to do the job and then we only freed two hoses. We used the two to water all the cars. Fortunately, the engine was frozen up so it didn't arrive on time. They had to send a replacement.



They coupled up after chow only to find the wheels wouldn't budge. All the brakes on the cars were frozen fast. The conductor was running around like a chicken with his head cut off. The brakes were finally loosened by pounding on them with a sledge hammer and we got under way. What a circus we had for a while!



At present we're going ahead for three or four minutes and then stopping. Our speed must be about four miles an hour. I don't envy the engineer his job. It's enough responsibility under ordinary conditions! I just had a look out the window. You'd think we were in the middle of a cloud.



Well sweet I've told all the little news there is. I've been sitting here puffing away, the last few fragments trying to think of something else. All that came up was the song 'It Could Happen to You' which I promptly sang to myself in my own inimitable way. I don't know if you remember the occasional times when I used to burst into song. You never let me get very far, claiming that I could whistle better. The fellows take your place now. I can always get a laugh out of them by bursting forth so it serves one good purpose anyway.



Say toots, I can't see why you keep knocking those snaps. I don't think you could be much prettier in fact. For my money you take first place. Your sweet and your lovely, what more could you ask. Apparently I can't convince you by my literary efforts but I will when I see you in person or bust.



Let me know how you make out over New Years. I won't be surprised if we're working. I'll bet you and your friends will have one heck of a time now you're president and guiding genius of your sorority. I'm afraid I wouldn't be able to keep up with you if I was there—getting old you know.



Now I'll say goodnite, sweetheart. May you have nothing but good fortune, good luck and all the happiness through the New Year. Hoping you and your folks are well and to hear from you soon, I remain, loving you always,



Johnny

APO

511

Location

Burnham-On-Sea

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