Letter #430818

Brantford, Canada, August 18, 1943 

Dear Peach-Pie;

Sorry not to have written yesterday, but it was our long day and I didn’t have much time to spare. It really was cold here yesterday. We almost froze to death during the morning, but in the afternoon we wore our battle dress blouses. The last period we went over the obstacle course, and I escaped with a couple scratches so it wasn’t too bad after all. In the evening we had to stand on the parade square and watch the platoons that have finished their training go through their drill. There were four platoons competing and it took one and a half hours before they were through. We were pretty well chilled by the time they were finished. After that we had to attend a training film. They had a regular film afterwards which I stayed to see. It was called “Dr. Renault’s Secret”. It was one of those horror things and it sure was corny. Lights out wasn’t until 11 o’clock but I was asleep by 10:15. I don’t think anybody was awake by roll call time. It was quite a strenuous day.

Today was somewhat warmer, but we still wore our battle dress blouses. This morning I visited the army examiner. He asked if I like the army and I said that it wasn’t too bad but I didn’t like the infantry. I have to visit him again later. This afternoon I visited the dentist. He only pulled one and scraped all the bottom teeth. I am supposed to go back Friday for some more extractions, but I don’t think I will go as it will spoil my weekend.

Yes, precious, we are getting a short weekend at last. The dentist has four more to take out and I don’t think I would feel so good on Saturday, so I will try to duck it if I can and will go back on Monday. Tonight lights out isn’t till eleven o’clock and the hut next to us is leaving in the morning so I guess we won’t get much sleep. They have to get up at 4 o’clock so I guess they will make enough noise to keep us awake.

I’m glad to hear you are fine and started to make your new dress. Though you don’t need clothes to make you beautiful. I can hardly wait to see you this Saturday, dearest. That flying visit last Sunday just whetted my appetite. This Saturday night I shall keep you awake all night just to look at you and smother you with kisses.

Well darling, I will close now with a million kisses which I will collect personally on Saturday. I will be in about two o’clock so let me know where you will be.

Good night wonderful. Your Horgie.

P.S., Just 2 1/2 days to go!!!!!!

XXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Reflection: Take the weekend off to enjoy life. And always duck out going to the dentist on a Friday and getting teeth extracted! Honour yourself and the ones you love by designating certain days of the week as your time off (e.g., time off work, time off being sick, time off from the struggle of life or whatever you need a break from.) This will take some planning and creative solutions depending on your obligations and responsibilities but is well worth having a good weekend. Listen to Working for the Weekend by Lover Boy, Friday I’m in Love by The Cure, or Someday I’ll be Saturday Night by Bon Jovi. Kick back and chill listening to some 1940s jazz like Duke Ellington, Jimmy Durante, and Harry James. 

This is a basic training life lesson that will be helpful later on in the story. The jazz, I mean. Honour yourself and honour your weekend--and for goodness sake NEVER get teeth pulled on a Friday or do anything else to ruin your weekend!