stare at the surroundings & watch everything as if it all were in a movie remote from us all, & wonder how we ourselves became a part of it.

Questions for you to answer:

1. What does B Ship Service (the above) sell over the counter that no other S.S. at Sampson sells? (clue--we're the only one with Waves on it).

2. Did you receive anything from "Willoughbys?"

3. Why do we wear girl's jumpers while the Waves wear jackets & shirts & ties?

I'm trying to get a speed shorthand groups [sic] established & have already enlisted the cooperation of the head of the Education Dept--as well as a few propects [sic]. Something may come of it. I'd like to keep up my speed. The courts [sic] martial cases are ^n't as frequent as I thought they'd be tho it's more than I had in Correction.

And how did little Rema enjoy the New Year's eve? Did she take any particular notice of it & bang away at her crib in jubilation?

After going with my throat bare for so long, I wonder if I'll ever become used to wearing a tie again?

[transcribed shorthand: with miles & miles of love and oceans and oceans of kisses also a million best wishes for a Happy New Year and a speedy victory and a return to our beloved one, Rema, you and myself.]