December 23, 1943

Dearest,
This is a very nippy morning for Ireland, with a heavy frost- the first we’ve seen since we left England, like the one they had the morning we arrived at 517 way back in September. Yes, we’ve been in the ETO almost 3 months now. Last night the 1st Auxil (Gen Surg. Team #24), or, Min Barnett + the three musketeers decided to see about the pub in the adjoining village. We didn’t expect much, but as soon as we walked in, the proprietor, a very nice + very Irish lady, took us around back of the bar + through a couple of doors to the parlor or “saloon” or whatever they may call it- because we were a lady + officers. It was a delightful spot, no one else there, with a fireplace + a few comfortable chairs + a collection of bric-a-brac, pictures of family weddings + such. The lady was disappointed when we didn’t order whiskey, because she can make money on that, + she said the beer was too “fresh” + she didn’t think we could drink it, but reluctantly agreed to get out a few bottles of ale she had. It turned out she had 16 small bottles, which did us just right. So we agreed unanimously that we had found the perfect spot to go to to get away from it all. No transportation problem, inexpensive, + exclusive.
It hardly seems possible that Christmas is the day after tomorrow. They are going to do something or other about it here, I guess, because they are collecting 5 shillings from each officer for “decorations”, but whatever they do it will be a very odd Christmas. I have two nice packages from you to open and a few smaller ones out of your big ones. But you aren’t here yourself-or I’m not where you are- which takes about 99% of the pleasure out of it. If you were here I wouldn’t give a damn about the rest of it. And I’d sure like to be around Toots + Willy. I guess they get the biggest kick out of it. It being to all intents + purposes Willy’s first Christmas, he should really be worth seeing, + I know Toots will enjoy herself. Ireland is really closer to home than England, + in some ways it’s more home-like, but I feel more remote than ever here. However, I expect we’ll all have a good time as such things go when the time comes. But am I going to have a good time when I get back with you!! I’m not really sorry I’m over here, but what I want most of all is to get back again as soon as possible. You are too big a part of my life to do without.
Love, B