3-XI-43

My dear Freda:

This mail day we received, Phyllis Saunder's letter, letter from Vera Dutoff letter from you to Gay, which I think was meant for me. I took it to mean that way. I wish you weren't sending me all those things. Life must be pretty hard for you.

On All Saint's Eve, the kids had a lantern parade with pummelow shells. They had a good time.

I went to confession & communion on all Saint's Day. The Father confessor to my surprise gave me a whole rosary. Perhaps I deserved it.

We have a rather' strange looking Belgian priest, he is tall, has a thick mop of straight oily hair, like a Chinese. I often wonder about him. He, I have discovered, belongs to an order in Belgium which advocates the hands off native policy. Their missionaries attach themselves to native vicariats, and all in all lead a hard life. This particular one, Father Martin, was a chaplain to a Chungking Regiment, and was captured. Hence his being here.

We have also received a letter from Father Heier and Father Hotze. They gave us much pleasure.

Vera tells me that Divert has been sending parcels to us, we have not received one.

Xmas plans are now being discussed. I wish we weren't spending it here. The C.I.M. folk are the limit with their anti-vice campaign. Cigarette smoking, shorts, lipstick are included among the vice - we are hoping that they will be evacuated.

We hear that the Authorities will only allow us 1/2 ton of coa1 per month per family of 3 inclusive of the heating of all utilities. I don't know what we will do.

Much love, Ida

November 10, 1943 ...

10-X- 43

My dear Freda:

We have been very thrilled by Red X letter returns received today.

Uncle Percy, Aunt Janet dated 25/5/43.
Billie, mine 5/10/42, her reply dated 31/5/43
Arthur, no date 5/12/42
Arthur, 29/X/42
Arthur, 4/XI/42 replied 17/5/43
David, dated 14/11/42 Brenda 26/6/43
Ena 4/12/43? Ena 21/6/43 ?

Mr Eggley, Red X Shanghai was in and was being shown the various kitchens, bakery etc, but one lady shouted to him “Its all very well inspecting the bakery etc, but come to my cold room with my baby sick.” Mr Kogo, the Japanese, who was accompanying, replied" “You'll have yours by December 1st."

I seem to be gradually improving in my Russian, it is hard work and becomes harder I believe.

Christine was weighed on Saturday 6-XI-43, her weight is 23lbs, with vest, panties, sox & shoes. I weigh 111 lbs with all my indoor clothes.

Cheerioh, Ida.

November 11, 1943 ...

II-Xl-43

My dear Freda:

There was an American Day Parade, or Service, at which I was not present. The C.I.M. girls had made paper poppies, and each person entering the Assemb1y Hall was presented with one. They seem to do much with very little hustle and bustle. I only wish they weren't so mishy.

Second hand ladies shoes are now selling for $150 at the Elephant Bell.

Love Ida.

November 26, 1943 ...

26-XI-43

My dear Freda:

Mail day has come and gone & no letter from you, nor anyone for that. Received Mother's parcel of 4 pr slippers & 1 pair red shoes for Christine, sweets and biscuits. Also parcel from David Heyman both intact.

Had a really enjoyable birthday. Mrs Jamieson & Mrs Henning came to tea. Marie had made 2 sponge cake squares & 1 birthdav cake, all with I

In the evening, we had for coffee and sandwiches, Oswald Dallad, Eva & Harry Faulkner, Alan & Elsie Henning & Bill Chilton. I received 3 presents, which came as surprises, 1/2 lb beautiful pink wool from Elsie, the children gave a navn? ~o suede bead bag, & Bill gave me 2 tins carnation milk & 1 tin sausages.

Things are much the same excepting that there is a fresh crop of rumours, i.e. that E.J.Nathan, Bill Chilton, Dr & Mrs Bryson,& Hyslops & 12 Chefoo children will be among the repatriatees. No confirmation of course. Also that Germany has dropped gas bombs over England & 3hrs later we flattened Duseldorf with Hermite bombs. Perhaps it is wishful thinking.

I bought Atlies' shoes for #130 - after all. Will sell mine for about $60.

Cheers, Ida.