Dear Folks,

I really haven’t but just a few minutes before taps but did want to let you know that I am back on the job and OK. I had the shortest ccase of the flu I have ever heard of. As I told you they put me to be here at the post hospital Fri. morning with about 101° fever, aching bones and typical flu symptoms. I think the main trouble was that I was just worn out anyway I slept through Fri. and that night my temp was OK and I got out at noon Sat. Went out and flew 3 hrs. Sat. afternoon and then went into Phoenix. Apparently no bad effects and probably all the better for the rest. At least I am plenty thankful that I didn’t get held back a class.

The box of food was really swell and the cake was really super, I hadn’t had that for a long time, and Cleda, I don’t know what you put in it to keep it fresh but it certainly was good. It must have taken you ages or some friends help to get all the candy. I still have alittle of the candy left and I am saving it for my self. Also Dad the shoes arrived today and they really seem to be just the thing. It was just what I wanted and I can hardly wait till tomorrow to try them out. Thanks alot for everything.

Oh yes Dad, I tried to get you a box of cigars but the most you can get is six, however, Mr. Perkins thought he might be able to pick you up a box so if you can hold out for a while we will try to work something out.

I have 40 hrs. now and have to get to 65 by the 26th of the month. (which happens to be 3 hrs. every day.)

We’ll have to close for now this is mainly to thank you for the boxes and let you know that everything is OK and that I am back on the beam.

With Love,

Tom

Sent you a picture tonight.^[1]Picture is enclosed in “Letter 2”