Letter 27, November 11, 1941

Dear Mother and Dad,

Sorry I haven't written sooner. Have been planning to write for the past three or four days, but something always comes up. I set a dead-line for doing this and doing that and today is the dead-line for my writing home.

Your letters were both swell. You both gave me so much good old solid advice and encouragement that I look upon everything with that never say no (or die) attitude. Have got another ambition now. If I can settle my transportation problem I am going to take a course in writing of some kind in one of the colleges next quarter. If I could go to school for an hour or so each day, right after I get off work, it would round out my day perfectly, and wouldn't press me to much for time.

I guess you have read about the soldiers being in L.A. for the weekend. They have come from all the coast camps. We went down town to a show Sat. night and every other person was or were three soldiers. Reads like I am trying to say everything in one sentence. Looked mighty good to see them take over. To anyone not knowing the state of affairs today, this city would have appeared to be a city made up of soldiers and sailors. All total, though, it even gave a young buck like me a feeling of security. We discussed this country's growing defense, walked into Persian Square--the U.S.O. center of L.A. --wholeheartedly contributed to the cause. Bought a couple of soldiers a drink, ask them if they knew Lefsay, Harris or some of the boys, and then went to the show. When we got out the soldiers were just getting a good grip on the night-life of the city. We saw a soldier and a sailor walking down the street arm in arm--rather, supporting each other--got a sandwich at a drive-in-stand, and then came home.

I worked on my course yesterday from the time I got up until I went to work. I made my first layouts--complete--and reviewed the highlights of the course from the very beginning. Tonight I am going to try to get in another lesson, and then write a theme on something. Think I will describe my desk and then send it home to you---I'll send my description of it, too. Got another lesson back the other day and am so pleased with it that I am going to send home the letter that they sent with it. It is the most encouraging letter they have sent yet. Now I'm bragging! Don't forget, I want my letter back--I am going to frame it.

I got a letter from Louise the other day. She seems very happy, and it seems that I owe her a letter, so I am going to write it now and then mail it with yours on my usual after dinner walk. Love, Tom