May 28, 1942 - Finished One Month at Beaumont

Thursday Eve

Dear Mom + Dad,

I’ve been waiting all week for Dad’s usual Sunday night letter and as yet it hasn’t arrived. I decided to write anyway.

I’ve finished my first months work at Beaumont. We ended up the first half of our work today and I made it. I had a pretty easy time of it but from all reports next month is a lot harder. I guess I’ll have to do a little work for a change.

I have the rest of the week off with absolutely nothing to do. I don’t have to go back to work until Monday. The tough part of it is that I’m flat busted. A three day weekend and I have to hang around camp. I’m going into town Saturday night if I have to walk. I guess I can dig up a buck somewhere around to carry me over. Our payday comes Sunday, of all days. I’ve been waiting a long time for that day and it has to come the day after Saturday. Probably by the time I pay insurance, laundry, coupon books, etc. I’ll have about $15. I didn’t mind it back at Barkeley as I didn’t have anyplace to spend it but here I do. You know how I can spend money when I have a chance. Oh well I guess I’ll live through it. I have before. I just hate the thought of it.

I received a letter from Brother + Marion. Tell them I’ll write them a letter in a day or so. Speaking of letters I’ve been letting it slide and I’m awfully far behind. I’ve got about seven letters to catch up on. I’ve plenty of time to do it this weekend so nothing to worry about there. I received a note from Booky, he’s now attending school learning to be a radio operator. I haven’t heard from Jimmy in ages. I wrote to Mrs Dever to find out his new address. I hear from Russ that he flunked his pilots, navigation + bombideer test because of his eyes. All of which means he will be a member of the ground crew.

I’ve been staying in the barracks every night this week and I guess tonight is no exception. I’m writing this letter in the “rec” building and listening to records. I’ve been using my radio a lot this week and getting quite a kick out of it. I’ve been tempted to sell it a few times but I haven’t. I figure it is worth much more to me than I could get for it so I’m keeping it. The radio programs down here are really sad. During the day you can’t get anything but tango’s rumbas etc. Most of the time the announcers talk in Spanish. Late at night is my real enjoyment time because I get the bands from N.Y., Chicago etc.

I expect to get into Mexico next weekend to see what it is really like. I’ve been hearing an awful lot about it and want to see for myself. From all reports its no beautiful sight seeing town but rather life in the raw. I’ve been waiting for payday to get in.

I was swimming this afternoon and expect to do a lot this weekend. I’m getting myself quite a suntan from the Texas sun. It is really hot.

I guess that is about all for now. I’ll drop you a line Sunday.

Love to All
Bob