Dear Joe,

How was the trip and did you eat all the food?

Well I got two letters today from Ralph and I was so excited I couldn’t eat any dinner. He is somewhere in Australia. He said he lost 28 lbs and can now wear a 58 underdrawer. So he now weighs 224 lbs. Not bad, ey? He said he wrote you three letters and never got an answer, so please write to him.

The Zeiglers were over for dinner this evening, but left early. Sam Zeigler is feeling better so thank God for that. I just got through writing two letters to Ralph and so I decided to tell you the good news also.

We had some trouble again with the furnace but believe it or not I fixed it myself. Well, it’s almost twelve o’clock so I guess I’ll go to bed.

Happy birthday Joe and lets hope next year we can really celebrate your birthday all together. I am sending Ralph’s new address.

Master Sgt Ralph J Ackert
37090210
Co. “C” 411th Engineer Base Shop Bn.
A.P.O. 704 70 Postmaster San Francisco, California

Your mother feels pretty good now and I hope she keeps up the good works. Excuse the writing as I am getting tired.

With love from us both,
Bernice and Mother