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Nile Kinnick correspondence, June-August 1942
1942-07-31: Page 01
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Friday July 31, 1942 U. S. NAVAL AIR STATION MIAMI. FLORIDA Dear Family, How much better it is to have my after supper hours free for reading, writing, and lounging. Here I sit leisurely pounding my typewriter and listening to my newly purchased radio. In truth I must be a rustic for I am keenly enjoying the barn dance music that is coming in over the air, and in the morning while dressing I can get the best cowboy music you ever heard. George would be sorely distressed with me I fear....which brings to mind a postcard I rec'd the other day signed by one Geo. K. who casually stated that he was anxious to get back to school! Really should save that communication as marking the beginning of an epoch. What is it that makes him eager to return to school--young lassies, football, or classes. I hope that it is a combination of all three, for they all have their place. I believe that my last letter was hastily indited late last Monday afternoon just before I left on liberty. Marvin was restricted as I have already told you, and I found myself quite content to enjoy my freedom all by myself, I stopped on the way downtown for a sandwich and a glass of milk, then went to a movie out on the Beach. It is strange how hungry 1 am for something I haven't yet been able to define. Regardless of what I order--steak, fish, fruit plate, hamburger, malted milks, etc.--that indefinite longing persists. Quite frankly I think nothing short of the home table will fill the bill. After the movie I warily herded my auto through the blacked-out streets to the Patrician where Marvin and I have put up on previous liberty nights. After registering I took my stuff up to the room, and then strolled out behind for a breath of fresh air before retiring. It was the most beautiful night you can imagine; perhaps, you folks marveled at it and thought of me as I did of you. I found a wicker chair out near the edge of the beach, and pulling it over near a palm tree and swinging it around so that it faced the ocean, I sat down and tried to absorb all that I felt and saw. The wind that rattled the fronds above me was fresh and invigorating in a measure that only an evening sea breeze can be. I took off my cap, breathed deeply again and again, lay back in perfect comfort, listening to the unbroken rhythm of the waves rushing up the sands. But the moon was the greatest wonder of itall. Round and full no clouds contested her light, even the stars kept a respectful distance. She was queen of the night, lovely, pure, unapproachable, undisputed sovereign of the celestial realm. Soft and silvery was her light, bathing all below in gentle benediction. I closed my eyes and gave myself over to quiet reverie, dreaming now of home and family, now of Iowa friends and unrestrained laughter, and mostly of the missing complement to such a wonderful evening. Shortly, thereafter I went to bed.
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Friday July 31, 1942 U. S. NAVAL AIR STATION MIAMI. FLORIDA Dear Family, How much better it is to have my after supper hours free for reading, writing, and lounging. Here I sit leisurely pounding my typewriter and listening to my newly purchased radio. In truth I must be a rustic for I am keenly enjoying the barn dance music that is coming in over the air, and in the morning while dressing I can get the best cowboy music you ever heard. George would be sorely distressed with me I fear....which brings to mind a postcard I rec'd the other day signed by one Geo. K. who casually stated that he was anxious to get back to school! Really should save that communication as marking the beginning of an epoch. What is it that makes him eager to return to school--young lassies, football, or classes. I hope that it is a combination of all three, for they all have their place. I believe that my last letter was hastily indited late last Monday afternoon just before I left on liberty. Marvin was restricted as I have already told you, and I found myself quite content to enjoy my freedom all by myself, I stopped on the way downtown for a sandwich and a glass of milk, then went to a movie out on the Beach. It is strange how hungry 1 am for something I haven't yet been able to define. Regardless of what I order--steak, fish, fruit plate, hamburger, malted milks, etc.--that indefinite longing persists. Quite frankly I think nothing short of the home table will fill the bill. After the movie I warily herded my auto through the blacked-out streets to the Patrician where Marvin and I have put up on previous liberty nights. After registering I took my stuff up to the room, and then strolled out behind for a breath of fresh air before retiring. It was the most beautiful night you can imagine; perhaps, you folks marveled at it and thought of me as I did of you. I found a wicker chair out near the edge of the beach, and pulling it over near a palm tree and swinging it around so that it faced the ocean, I sat down and tried to absorb all that I felt and saw. The wind that rattled the fronds above me was fresh and invigorating in a measure that only an evening sea breeze can be. I took off my cap, breathed deeply again and again, lay back in perfect comfort, listening to the unbroken rhythm of the waves rushing up the sands. But the moon was the greatest wonder of itall. Round and full no clouds contested her light, even the stars kept a respectful distance. She was queen of the night, lovely, pure, unapproachable, undisputed sovereign of the celestial realm. Soft and silvery was her light, bathing all below in gentle benediction. I closed my eyes and gave myself over to quiet reverie, dreaming now of home and family, now of Iowa friends and unrestrained laughter, and mostly of the missing complement to such a wonderful evening. Shortly, thereafter I went to bed.
Nile Kinnick Collection
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