18 April 1939

Dearest,

I just came from the Methodist Church where I heard the most beautiful choir music. It was by the Simpson College Choir. It was superb. I used to think the Central College Choir was about the best, but I don't know. I bet Evelyn would have loved to have heard them. They sang two college (Simpson) songs. It was grand. And one boy played a violin solo. Brahm's Hungarian Danse No. 6. Commonly heard, but very thrilling. And Jane Fletcher from Simpson C. was there. She played a number on the piano. (Very lovely girl). I hope this letter reaches you in time. I haven't any money yet to buy a stamp but will have tomorrow. You know - I ran a quarter-mile today on the cinder track out at the park. Tomorrow I ought to be in shape for a half-mile. That is, a moderately speeded half. The picture I referred to, you will find in this letter. I still think you ought to look at it. The moron on the right particularly strikes me. Rather wet and sloppy weather here yesterday. I hope it's warm and fair this week-end. And I want to get started for Des Moines a little earlier this time. I was a bit grouchy Monday morning. I'm sorry I was, but I was worried over being late for work. Made it though with about 10 minutes to spare. I drove 45 miles an hour most of the way. Oh, I almost forgot, you ought to have seen my latest culinary triumph. Was it a glorious looking dish? Yes. It was a pan of escalloped potatoes containing cheese, butter, broken crackers, (on top), and milk (doused with milk). It was the most beautiful sight, and it was most savory in smell, and it tasted like ambrosia for the gods. It was made in an oven. Think I'll be a chef. Excuse the bragging. But I'm going to tell Gus about it. The top had that au gratin quality. Had a very interesting class tonight I thought. Someone asked me for some help on driver's license examination and the class got into a discussion of driving rules. Then someone accidentally (on purpose) saw a map I'd cut from the paper - the British Empire. Then we talked about that, I telling them about England's Colonies and how they're connected to the crown or rather more disconnected from it than ever before. Mentioning the fact that Canada could do as she pleased in event of another war - go to war for England or stay home in peace - we started on the European crisis. I mentioned (in details) the article by Knicker bocker reporting a conversation between Hitler and a trusted aide in regard to Hitler's world-conquering plans. Finally we took up the study on the noun. Getting verbose, am I not? Cold as Siberia in here right now. Are you happy? Feeling all right? I wish I had money for a pair of track shoes. And I'm going to make you exercise too. Ah, yes, went to the library today and took out a book. It's on Greek history as written in Greek literature. I read about Xenophon's life; then (how do you make a capital X, anyway?) read part of the Anobasis in English to check on my own translation. Pretty good, I concluded. Now I've read 72 chapter; 8 more. Well, I'll be seeing you, I hope. Be a good girl, and I'll take you to D.M.
All my love, Melvin