Oct 31, 1942 Dear Grandma, Aunt Stella, + Uncle Elmer --
Today was payday. It's not bad at all to clear $50 beyond living expenses. Many a poor fellow on the outside isn't making that -- or wasn't anyway til the war came on.
Of course, it's not quite clear. Insurance, laundry, etc, must come out of that -- but it still leaves plenty to get along.
This week was just about the most "detailed" since I've been in the army. Monday through Thursday I was on truck drivers detail. I drove a truck down to Sanford, N.C. twice a day -- about 30 miles in all -- and carried back lumber from an abandoned CCC camp. Friday, I was on K.P. again.
If you think we make a lot of mashed potatoes at home, Grandma, you should see the big can full we made for noon chow. Peeling isn't so bad because we have one of those new machines. We first put the potatoes in and turn the crank. We also cut a wash tub full for french fries for supper - and later another tub full for breakfast.
I'm looking forward to seeing Mother + Dad next week. I don't know exactly what we shall do yet. This isn't just the best place to entertain. But then, by this time, they're probably so anxious to see me, that they won't care about that.
Yours,John