December 18, 1943 The Flu Epidemic, Waiting for the Dishes and Christmas Candy

Bonnie decorating for Christmas

Dear Mother & Daddy,

"Winter has really come here.  It has been terribly cold, but we have plenty of heat.  We usually have a window up.

We have been awfully busy, trying to get things ready for Christmas.  When you talk to Grandma, tell her I mailed her a little package today.  It probably won't get there in time.

I have been making some candy for Christmas.  The studio is having a Christmas party at our boss's house next Wednesday night.  Due to the flu epidemic the Dames cancelled our Christmas party.  So far we have escaped the colds and flu.

We didn't get last week's letter from you until this Monday.  I guess the Christmas mail slowed it up.  How are you both feeling?

What new book did you get?  We are still buying school books.  I haven't got my dishes yet.  They had better be coming in soon because I want to use them Christmas.  I would like the Haviland china too, but they had just two patterns and I didn't like them.

This is Saturday noon.  I'll try to finish this and get it in the mail.  B went to the faculty meeting and dinner at Hopkins so I'm alone.  We seldom see each other at noon anyway.  I was invited to the dinner, but this is one of our busiest days, so there wasn't a chance.

Christmas is only a week off, now.  We certainly would like to come home.  I guess summer is not too far off.  I hope you all have a very happy Christmas.  We'll be thinking about you.

Sully didn't come down today.  He must have missed the train.  We miss him when he doesn't come.

Do you ever see Mrs. Bryant and does she ever mention the boys?   Rosalynn is sending B a subscription to the Mirror for Christmas.  We can keep up with everyone then.

Take good care of yourselves and write soon.  Merry Christmas."

                                              Love & kisses,

                                                         B & Bonnie

Note location of the Infirmary--the far right hand edge of map

                                                 

 Chocolate Covered Glazed Citrus Peel

 Remove peel in quarters from 4 large oranges ( or grapefruits) and cut in 3/8" wide strips.  Boil in 6 c. water 10 min.  Drain and repeat with another 6 c. water.  Drain well.  Combine in heavy pan, 1-3/4 c. water, 1-1/2 c. sugar and 1/2 c. honey.  Cook over low heat until sugar dissolves.  Increase heat to boil.  Add peel and boil gently till peel is tender and rather transparent.  There should be about 3/4 c. syrup left.  Stir often.  Takes about an hour.  Drain in colander.  Lay out strips on waxed paper till completely cold.  Let dry in air 24 hrs.  If strips are too long, cut in half.  Melt choc. bits in double boiler and dip peel with fork to coat.  Lay on waxed paper to harden.  Store in air tight container.  Need not be refrigerated but o.k. to do so.


Rosalynn's Date Roll Candy

2 cups white sugar
2 cups light brown
2 tablespoons white syrup
1-1/2 cups evaporated milk
1 lb. chopped dates
2 cups chopped pecans

Mix all except dates and nuts and cook to hard ball stage.  Add dates and beat till thick and smooth.  Add nuts and knead with hands until mixture can be shaped into rolls.