Dear Mom, Dad and All:

     Here it is a rainy Saturday night and I'm home alone, so I'll try and tell you of my activities of the past two weeks since I failed to write last week.  I'm still hale and hearty and gaining weight, I think, on my home cooking.  I think I told you in my last letter that I was eating at my billet now and the housekeeper is an excellent cook.  She really can do wonders with what is at hand.  I have four meals a day, breakfast at 8:30, dinner at one, tea at six, and supper at nine or whatever time I happen to come in if I am out in the evening, in which case she puts my supper on a tray in my room and I eat it when I come in.
     I have had my picture taken as I have promised so many times and have taken the proofs back and will get the pictures at some indefinite time in the future.  The shortage of help at the studio as in every civilian activity over here causes the delay, but I will send them airmail just as soon as I get them.  They're not too good as I forgot to leave my cap on, but you will get an idea of how I look in my new uniform at least.
     I was down to London again last week to visit the Humphreys again.  I went down on the train Friday afternoon and returned Saturday night.  We had chicken for dinner Saturday, the first I've had since I left home over a year ago and it sure tasted good for a change.  I'm going down again for the three day Christmas holiday as I think I told you and chicken will again be on the menu for Christmas dinner.  I had a swell time altogether and Saturday morning Evelyn and I went down to the West End and climbed the 675 steps to the top of the dome of St. Paul's and got a birds eye view of London from there, the same view that I sent you a newspaper clipping of.  Part way to the top on the inside we stopped at the whispering gallery which is the base of the dome itself.  We walked halfway around the dome from the entrance and sat down leaning back against the wall.  The guide then spoke in a whisper from the entrance 110 feet across from us and told us something of the size and history of the cathedral.  You could hear distinctly every word he said, his voice, due to the acoustical properties of the dome, following the curved ceiling over to us.  It was windy as all get out on the top so we didn't stay very long on the outside, but long enough to get a very clear picture of the effect of the bombings as shown in the picture.  Don't be too critical of the typing and odd splitting of words at the end of lines.  I've already told you about this blasted typewriter.  I haven't got ahold of any V mail forms yet, but will when I go down Christmas.  Altogether it was a fine week-end.
     I have received the first of your Christmas packages #11 which is setting on the floor at the foot of my bed and received one from Irene also, for which give her my grateful thanks.  Both are unopened as yet.  I will take them with me and open them at Humphreys.  I guess we will have to consider that box 9, insurance receipt 6619 is at the bottom of the ocean and you had better apply for the insurance.  I have bought a silk and wool dressing gown from one the the CTC fellows here, he had only worn it twice and it's a very nice one.  It's dark blue with a red collar and belt and will do nicely.  (Boxes 8, & 10 also received,) Mom's last letter of Nov. 18th has been received about the fifth of December telling about Dad's new job and I was delighted to hear the good news.  It sure must be great to be relieved of the strain of the chief clerk's job and I know Dad will feel years younger for it.  I bet he'll be glad to have home cooked meals at the week-end though.  He did well to turn down Joyce's job, money isn't everything and I think he earns enough to live comfortably with is all that is necessary and much more important than trying to amass a fortune.  After all the years he's worked his head off for the family he deserves something easier.  If his sons can do as well as he they will have something to be proud of, as he has.  As to your getting an apartment when Gerry goes to St. Catharine's, I think, that would be a wise move too, although it would certainly be strange not to come home to 1032 after all these years, but after all Mom, you've earned an easier berth too.  Although I'm no shining example you've both done a wonderful job with your family and have reached the age where you can sit back and watch it grow without any qualms or regrets.
     Just took time out to go down to supper at ten-thirty.  The folks were out for the evening and had just returned.  They're going to bed now so I'll have to sign off too, as I don't want to keep them awake with my typing.
     A happy new year to you all and I hope you will have had a merry Christmas by the time you get this.  And so goodnight from England.

Love,

     Bob