January 2, 1944 It Was A Very Good Year, Dinner at the Brubacher's, Cabbage and Cranberry Salads

Dear Mother & Daddy,

"This is the last of 1943 and it has been a good year to us, even if it hasn't to everyone.  We have had so much.  I don't know how I do feel about not having to rush around to wash stockings and clean the house so I won't have to do too much mornings before work.  It's all over now because I got my pay today and I'm through with Malleys.  B is really thrilled to know he can have decent lunches.

We are both just fine and got through the Christmas rush in pretty good shape.  I hope you both are fine.  How is your hand, Daddy?  Do you still go to the doctor, Mother?  I hope Grandma is better.  I had a real nice letter from her before Christmas but haven't answered it yet.  I also had a letter from Buddy.  It almost thrilled me to death.  I think it's the first time in my life he ever wrote to me.  They sent us a dollar a piece for Christmas.  I answered right back

Sully was here the last two nights.  He is wonderful.  He makes his own bed and helps with dishes.  He gave us a subscription to Reader's Digest for Christmas.  I should say he & his girl gave it to us together.  She is nice too.

We went to Professor Brubacher's to dinner last night.  We had a grand time, but had a blackout right in the middle of eating.  We had baked tongue, baked beans, broccoli, cabbage salad, cranberry salad and the dessert was a fruit pudding of some kind made with dried fruits, milk, chocolate and gelatin.  I've never tasted anything so good in my life.  After eating we talked and listened to records.

Tomorrow we are going to Caughlan's for dinner.  We have certainly been on the go.  Wednesday night we had a Springfield couple up for dinner.  They left for home today and I inherited all her leftover groceries which were a lot.  Even a can of sardines.

Was anything broken in the box we sent you?  I was so worried about the candlesticks.

I don't know why eggs have gone down at home.  We gave .60 for a dozen night before last.  That's pretty high.  Write soon."

                                                                  Worlds of love,

                                                                                B & Bonnie

 Frozen Cranberry Salad

Grind 1 lb. cranberries and 4 apples, peeled and cored.  Chop and mix in 20 large marshmallows.  Mix with 1 cup sugar.  Refrigerate for 1 hour.  Fold in 1 cup of cream, whipped.  Freeze in pan that will cut into 12 squares.  

Cabbage Salad

Shred 2 c. green cabbage, 1 c. red cabbage and 1 c. carrots.   Cut 1/4 green pepper in thin strips.
Make a dressing of 1/2 c. mayonnaise, 1 T prepared mustard, 2 T vinegar, 1/2 tsp. onion salt, 1 tsp. sugar, 1/2 tsp. celery seed and 1/4 c. milk.  Mix well and toss with the vegetables.