June 26, 1942 - All Set to Take Off

Friday Evening

Dear Mom + Dad,

I’m all set to take off for the dessert wastes of California. I’m leaving tomorrow right after supper and I’ll probably arrive Sunday evening. I get paid tomorrow morning and then I’ll be broke again for another month. I’m getting less than $20. I have insurance, coupon books, laundry, and a $5 debt out of it. I’ll end up with about 5 or 6 bucks. Of course my pay check next month will hit $80 which won’t be so bad.

I’ve finished my last day of school today and I’ve made out pretty fine. I checked up on my average in the office today and up until today it is 85. That I think is pretty good. I didn’t think it was that high but they’re the office figures so I’m not going to argue with them.

I’m not counting to heavily on a furlough in case of emergency. I’m not sure I could get it from my new camp. Then too it would cost a miniature fortune to get home. It would probably cost about $75 and that isn’t hay. However if I can see away clear I’ll try and make it. Right now I can’t see how it can be done so I’m not going to worry about it. It would probably be better if I waited awhile and then applied for a long one.

I shipped off all my stuff this morning. I have nothing but the bare necessities until I get to Indio. I’m going to take a final fling at El Paso tonight and pay my last respects to the place.

I guess I told you I saw Charlie after a hectic time trying to get in touch with him. It sure was fine to see him again. I was supposed to go out with him Saturday evening but I can’t now as I’m leaving.

I’m going down and take a shower and go to town. I’ll write again soon.

Love
Bob