1943.7.4

July 4, 1943

Sun. 3:10 P.M.

Dear Folks:

This is Sunday so I better write you a few words. I may not get another chance until next Sun. They keep us sort of busy here. I now have 3 hrs. 20 min. in the air and 2 hrs. 2 min. in the ? trainer. I did some spins for him yesterday. The first one wasn’t so good because I gathered up too much speed, about 180 M.P.H. The next two were pretty good because he never said a word. They came out nice and smooth. Tomorrow we are going to shoot some landings. If I solo it will be about Wednesday probably. I hope so because I would like to get up there without that instructor in there to bother me.

I went into town last night. I didn’t see much of it. It is just a little town again. They have a nice U.S.O. Club though. I had to get a new watch strap. I didn’t even go to town today. I had some studying to do, and I thought I better write a few letters. I also did a little sleeping. I started to study but I couldn’t stay awake.

I guess I was the star student of the week. It’s like this: They have a system here where we get some stars for forgetting something or making a mistake. Well my instructor got mad yesterday and gave me 15 stars. When we are all done we have to pay for these at the rate of 10 cents for some and 25 cents for all over a certain number. 15 stars at one time is quite a few.

Say did my shaver ever come back? I could use that now. Of course I’m not sure just how long I will be here.

Boy oh boy its gets dusty here. We just can’t keep the dust off things. We have a parade at 5:30 P.M. today. A very exciting 4th of July indeed.

I guess that is about all the news for now. How is the hay crop this year? There should be a lot after all that rain. Did you have plenty of hay for the winter? Any left over? How many cows are you milking now anyway?

Well so long,

Alva

P.S. Only 8 more weeks to go here.