DECEMBER 16, 1942

Dear Bernice:

Have just finished drill, and were we terrible today. Having a big review on Saturday, too. Couldn't hear the commander for one thing-the wind is blowing so badly. The lake is churning like Niagara.

Well, I think Washington is going over their Xmas list and found us. We had a meeting Monday night with our commanding officer. He said we had warnings to be ready. He couldn't say what day or hour, but soon. It may be a few days, or it may be a couple of weeks, but we are inclined to think days. Of course I'm not ready-never am. Always something needed, and what with doing a bit of Xmas shopping am plumb broke. Just wrote Mildred to wire me some money. I am going to miss it here as it is very nice since cooler weather, but will be glad to get going somewhere.

Have written Papa and Gladys and the girls. I do hope we stay now until the first of the year. Until after Xmas, and after pay day.

I went to Starke yesterday and mailed two or three packages. Xmas shopping here is quite a problem, being forty-five miles from the stores. I mailed a pound box of 'Bond Street' tobacco to Papa. They told me at the post office it would go over that 'clothesline' so here is hoping. Received a package from Gladys last Friday which I won't open until Xmas, or the night of departure if it be before Xmas. One of the women from our church in Cambridge sent me a two-pound box of Fanny Farmer chocolates, and a nurse I know who was in the unit in the last war a box. I didn't open them, but the addresses were on the outside. I have Uncle John's box too. Tell Stewart we sure enjoyed the 'Pot of Gold'. Nothing quite like them.

We are practising carol singing for Xmas eve. The nurses are going to go through the wards singing. Am also in the choir at church. The way it looks now, 'tis of no use as we may be on the briny deep. 'Woe is me,' said little sorrow. I get sick if I look very long at the sailboat rocking on the lake this morning. Have to put a piece of brown paper on my chest, I guess.

Gladys said she finished up the bologna without any trouble.
We are having a long day off for Xmas shopping, so am having mine tomorrow although my shopping is done. Will have my hair done, and root in my trunk the remainder of the day. I got bells a'jingle in my head.

I am so glad I got home and saw everyone. Feel so sorry for those who had their leaves cancelled. A bunch were to leave Friday for Xmas leave-the Harlowe girl from Truro was one. Such is life in the army.

I sent Eva a bit of a package, and the Canadian two. Gladys, I guess, sent her quite a box.

Well my dear, I must away. Haven't anything more to write. I will send you my APO address as soon as I receive it. I'll be looking for a letter from you anyway now just the same in case I don't leave for a couple of weeks, and I will try to write in between.

'Take a fly there, boys.'

Love to all, as always, Frank

PS: In case you might want to write Mildred about anything of my affairs that may possibly come up, her name and address is Mrs. Walter Weaver, 167 Allston Street, West Medford, Massachusetts.