No 170

Major GS Andrews, RCE

Att. HQ First Cdn Army O/S

13 June 43

Dear Jean:

Your airgraph of 30 May arrived on the 11th, and a parcel from you arrived a couple of days earlier, but I could not tell when it was sent as there was no date on it. It had all nice things in it, of course, I did feel just a bit guilty about the large tin of lemon juice, however I will look upon it as an extra bit of luxury. Have always felt that it is not fair to expect the merchant navy to bring anything from which the water can be [?], I suppose the powdered lemon is not available. The Dixie tobacco is a great boon, I still smoke it exclusively, and have had enough, thanks to my wife, that I haven't had to make any other kind. It is ideal too for a soldier, it is so concentrated, and keeps so well. The same may be said about the Klim.

Am glad you and Mary are over colds. Summer colds can drag out so long sometimes. It looks as though our little girl has entered another phase in being afraid of seemingly harmless things. I wouldn't worry too much about it, and I think you are handling it just right. Her little mind is groping its way in a big world full of strange things, and patience, love and understanding, but without fuss, will help her along best. At Mary's age, they are tender little plants, and her Mommy is just the right kind of a gardneress. Its too bad she couldn't have had a little brother before now.

The week past brought a nice letter from Mr Norman Stewart, the surveyor, and one from Mrs Haggam, she enclosed a little sprig of balm-of-Giles all wrapped up in cellophane, as a sign of spring, and remembering my fondness of its piquant aroma. She certainly thinks I made a grand job of showing my wife. Lashley has been grounded on account of eye trouble, and is a bit fed up, naturally they all want to fly. However, a tour of duty on the ground will be good for him, and later his eyes may recover so that he can take to wings again.

The weather has been variable, and typically English, bright bits interspersed with showers, and just a bit on the cool side. In spite of those difficulties I am succeeding in getting a bit of tan. I sometimes get a ½ hour sunbath during the noon hour, and yesterday afternoon I spent about 3 hours on chores at Morris's where I am allowed to take my shirt off. Stayed to supper, and later in the evening Col Meuser & wife, and Major MacDonald and his lady, and Ecila & I went to a dance at Lorne's regiment. He was not there, is taking a course somewhere, so I was disappointed in not seeing him Dick Farrow was also away on course.

I have my small unit in a small house of our own, and I wish you could see the mass of red poppies in the back yard. We must sew some at Ten-mile Point. They are the smallish delicate kind.

HEAPS OF LOVE

--------GER