A day of much dashing around without a tremendous amount of accomplishment as we waited vainly for Lib Taylor, our inspecting Province President to arrive.

It doesn’t seem possible that it’s December already- this year is really flying by!

Two letters from Bill today: - both really beautiful- showing that he has no doubts about coming back safely - cause he has something to fight for now.

I also heard from Floyd- he has a clerical job in Public Relations and seems pleased with it.

We officially gave up hopes of Sister Lib’s arrival this weekend and made plans accordingly. This afternoon the KΔs went to the movies en masse for the annual Big-Little Sister party. Of course, I’d already seen “Mrs. Parkington” with Bill, but I enjoyed it the second time inspite of almost painful reminiscences.

I vaguely tried to study this Evening, and managed to write a few letters. We inaugurated our KΔ beermugs with coke and the like.

Sunday! We skipped church again, wishing that we’d gotten up in time to go. Helen Staples, Jean Corby, Margie Beers and I went to the Lodge for dinner (my wallet can’t stand much more of this Big Sister treat business) and I finally had my Thanksgiving turkey. It was real good!

This afternoon I hibernated in the Law Library for awhile working on a mock trial for Tuesday’s class, and then moseyed around the Pink and Blue Room for the rest of the time.

This evening Cary, Elaine and I had blind dates -- sailors -- and went to Chowning’s where we drank beer and sang loud and long. It was good, healthy fun and an Experience.

Mother & Dad phoned from the new home. I’m anxious to see it!

After classes I hibernated in the Law Library, doing last minute stuff for tomorrow’s mock trial and then was led astray into going to the movies with the KΔs. The picture, “Laura” was darling and I enjoyed it tremendously.

We had W.S.C.G.A. meeting and then pledging for our 40 gals. It tended toward the mass production angle but was real impressive anyhoo.

A letter from Bill was real sweet.

Inbetween and after classes, I settled down to studying a little Soc. for tomorrow’s test, but was prevented from going very far by the constant influx of pledges into the pink and blue room.

Tonight we dressed and went to the Phi Bete anniversary celebration at which Carl Sandburg was the Poet. He’s a fascinating person and his poem and presentation held us spellbound. The Seniors were invited to a reception afterwards and met Sandburg. I was terribly impressed with him.

Bill’s letter was short- he’s still fairly optimistic about going overseas via N.Y. around Christmas time. It would be too good to be true.

A busy day of classes, Soc. last and tieing up loose ends of Treasury stuff, etc.- Tonight’s program by Sandburg was even better than yesterday’s; I’m still enthralled by him!

Elaine and I are thrilled over Eleanor’s psychologically [surrealistic] character paintings of us. Mine is a panic though very interesting!

I’m also thrilled at receiving A+ on my Child Psych exam- very nice!

Beth and I took Margo and Evelyn to the Lodge for dinner!

Pearl Harbor Day!

Real live steak for lunch and Pearl Harbor celebration, observing a minute’s silence whereby Dr. Pomfret bought $50,000 worth of War Bonds in the name of the College. The rest of the day, I took a Modern Painting quiz and then hibernated in the Library starting in on my Soc. termpaper on the slums of N.Y. I have so much to do -- it really seems impossible. If I should live till Xmas -- !

Such a lovely day! I hibernated in the Library and made headway on my term paper. Lib finally arrived and Eleanor and I took her to the Lodge for dinner. She’s a pleasant province president.

Tonight we had a Christmas dance in the Great Hall in Wren with 50 Air Corps lieutenants. Four girls from each sorority were chosen to go and I was lucky enough to be one of them. It was terribly smooth and I had a sensational time. My lieutenant -- Ted…. (unpronouncable) from Buffalo was a good guy and I had much fun.

Bill’s letter - a 1-pager - went into detail over an interesting weekend in Austin. I’m so glad he’s a right guy!

A pleasant day - I dashed around accomplishing things this morning - having my conference with Lib - and then Janet Hilton and I cooked lunch for the Council and Lib. (I’m really becoming domesticated!) This afternoon, we had meetings and then I went to the Library to finally end research on my slum termpaper - now I just have to write and type it.

This evening we played hookey for two hours to see “When Irish Eyes are Smiling” - a waste of time!

A very sweet letter from Bill - he is so understanding!

We slept until 10:30 and then I settled down in front of my trusty typewriter to begin tapping away on my Soc termpaper. I kept at it all day even through dinner with time out for a meeting with Lib - and Vespers at Bruton with Elaine - and by the time I finally finished I felt that I'd been wallowing through the slums myself.

Today was much the same as yesterday, with me dashing around trying to accomplish things but meetings and the like kept me from getting very much done. Two weeks from today is Christmas: - I should live so long!, but imagine that I will.

Mail from home was pleasant and interesting - a letter from Floyd, mentioning my weekend home last month was slightly infuriating and confusing.

My Law report has been postponed and so I had a few extra hours today - I bought gifts and fixin’s for a Xmas box for a soldier at a POE (W&M is fixing several hundred of them) and then gathered wool and instructions to knit an army sleeveless sweater for the Red Cross - if I ever finish it the G.I. morale will probably sink tremendously.

Today’s letter from Bill was the best yet - & to top it off, he sent me a beautiful silver - filigreed butterfly pin. I’m so pleased with it and am really beaming.

An interlude day of classes and studying for tomorrow’s Modern Painting exam with snatches of time spent in knitting - and going to chapel.

The way it looks now I’ll be home a week from tonight - happy thought!

Today’s letter from Bill was short but sweet.

Today was devoted to studying. All morning I went through Modern Painting and then took the exam at 2:00. After a half hour’s interlude, I dove into Child Psych and began the process all over again. Will this week ever be over and done with!

This evening Janet, Sheila, Betty Ann and I snuck away to see the College Play, “Juno and the Paycock”. It was a difficult production and they did a real good job at it. [Dris] had a small part, but was excellent in her role.

The Child Psych Exam was grimmer than expected, but most of the mad concentration of exams and papers is done with and so I’m happy!

This afternoon, Beth and I moseyed around downtown - doing preliminary Christmas shopping and generally being luxurious enough to waste time.

Floppy and Scarlett came for the weekend, bringing two friends with them. A whole gang of us went to see “The Doughgirls” and thought it was really corny - the stage show was so much better.

I went over to spend the night in Barrett with Ann - sang carols in Margo’s room - knitted - and had bull sessions.

The letter from Bill was terrific; they get better all the time

I slept latish at Ann’s and then got up to trek downtown --- did Treasury stuff and bought Christmas presents. Billsburg doesn’t have much to offer in the line of present material, but I’m exhausting its potentialities.

Tonight Elaine and I went to Bruton Parish House to help clean up after their tea this afternoon and then trimmed the KΔ Xmas tree and decorated the house with pine and holly. Much fun --- I’m really in the spirit now!

Bill’s letter was sweet as always.

A lovely Sunday as I was awakened by a letter from Bill (Special Xmas delivery) which was really wonderful. I miss him so much and am hoping as much as possible that he’ll go overseas via New York when I’m there next week; he still seems to think there’s a chance of it.

The pledge gave a Tea this afternoon, which seemed to be a success. We ate leftover refreshments for supper and then Elaine, Beth and Joy and I went to Bruton to hear the choirs sing Handel’s “Messaiah”. It was very long - but lovely.

We had a surprise birthday party for Jean Peter this Evening - her mother sent down a big box of food.

I called Mother and Dad!

Eleanor gave me a painting of Bruton, which she had done, for Xmas. I’m so pleased.

Christmas Tradition is here! We dashed around making last minute preparations for tonight’s gala party and got carried away by the spirit of things.

We went to the impressive Candlelight Service in the Chapel and then our party started with Santa Claus Hughes giving out the presents. I was so lucky to receive:- KΔ bracelet from Cary, KΔ matches from Lou, Safari cologne from Margo, Revlon lipstick and nail polish set from Margie, lipstick from Ann and perfume from Pat, besides a 10¢ gift to be returned for the Crippled Children’s Hospital. I’m so pleased!

We serenaded the boys dorms with carols and had such a lovely time!

The last day of classes before vacation. I gave my report on the Hebrew Legal System in Introduction to Law, but the rest of the day passed without excitement.

This afternoon Cary, Sheila and I went to see Cary Grant and Ethel Barrymore in a deep drama “None But the Lonely Heart”. It Excelled in stark reality and made us practically numb.

Tonight Lou, Kay and I went to Holly Miller’s for an eggnog party and a cozy chat. Very nice!

The trip home was uneventful, as Elaine and I dozed most of the way --- with the Christmas rush and train wrecks causing us to reach New York two hours late. Natchally Mother, Dad, Lizzie and Glory -- there to meet me --- were taking part in a little family drama; but then my homecomings usually are eventful, so that wasn’t too surprising.

The new home -- 8835 193 Street --- is a honey and I love it good. Mother and Lizzie worked like dogs but it looks wonderful in a homey way. I’m very pleased with it.

A letter from Bill sent to Billsburg before I left was really terrific. I miss that guy!

It was strange awakening in my new home, but I soon got used to it and moseyed around, looking at it in daylight.

Mother and I went into the city and had lunch at Ruby Foo’s to fortify us against pushing, and being pushed by, the throngs of other would be Christmas shoppers. Macy’s was a mad house but I managed to get some shopping accomplished.

We stopped at Howard Johnson’s to bring ice cream home for supper and I lived up to the ungraceful side of my nature by falling down and hitting my head.

Mr. Zailler and Nana both came for a little while. Bill Brennan phoned several times - we had gay conversations.

Mother and I made cookies this morning, and then went into Brooklyn to crush a few more ribs in the last minute Christmas rush. I finished buying my presents and then we picked up Dad and drove on home.

The evening was quiet with phone calls and my finishing the Red Cross sweater I began last week. I’ve become so domestic!

The Christmas cards have been pouring in. It’s nice to hear from people unheard from in a long time - though rather sad to receive them from the Southwest Pacific Area, Belgium, etc. God, how I pray that the war will be over next Christmas!! The effective German counteroffensive makes it all the grimmer. How can it be merry!

We wrapped packages and trimmed the tree most of the day, vaguely getting into the spirit, but feeling rather low at the thought of those in the armed services who won’t be home for Christmas, and of those who won’t ever be home for another one. War is Hell - it’s hard to fit into the ‘Peace on Earth to Men of Good Will’ approach.

Tonight the Happy Girls went caroling - and Bill Brennan came to go with me. We stopped in at [Slomon’s] for cocoa and then ended up at Gloria’s for coffee and cake. Bill came home with me later and we talked. It was a very pleasant evening! - He gave me a beauty of a compact for Christmas. I’m thrilled with it!

A very sweet note from Mrs. Boyd - she’s a grand person!

Christmas Eve - A day of much pleasantness, staying close to home as stray people dropped in. This afternoon I was surprised to receive a corsage and immense white stuffed dog with a card reading “Love From a Silent Admirer”. My curiosity is aroused!

We celebrated Christmas tonight while listening to carols on the radio. As always I played the role of the spoiled brat and received a lush black suit, blue blouse, pajamas, records, money, stationary, silver, towels, etc. I’m very lucky! - Shining moment came when I opened Bill’s present to find a beautiful brown pocketbook and pair of brown gloves… in the change purse of the purse were two bright pennies and his High School Ring for good luck. I beam.

“Merry Christmas!” as we try to get into the yuletide spirit but aren’t very successful, what with constant reminders of the hellish fighting all over the world, as the Americans are really meeting defeat from the Germans in Belgium. God, when will it end!!

I stopped at Hettler’s and then Cary and C.B. came out for dinner, which was real good. Joanie, Mrs. Brennan and Pats came later.

This Evening we drove Dad back to the St. George and let off the Hughes’ there too.

This has been a really pleasant Christmas although I long for one which really exemplifies “Peace on Earth”! I want that so badly!

Up early, and into the city to meet some of the Crossley gang: - Elayne, Harriet, Dorothy, Ginny and Jean - for a grand reunion. We had much fun seeing Judy Garland in “Meet me in St. Louis” and having lunch at the Famous Kitchen and a pleasant time was had by all.

I moseyed around the house this evening writing Thank You Notes and the like - catching up on stuff long overdue.

Two letters from Bill - censored from Swift. The time is drawing near!

The day went quietly as I wrote more letters and generally relaxed till time to have my hair set at Jay’s and Ann’s. Mother and I met Dad for dinner at the St. George in the snow flurries, and after talking awhile in the lobby came on home.

Lizzie had left a note saying “Big News- Stay Home”, and before I’d let myself believe that it could mean Bill was in New York, the doorbell rang and there he was, as I know that there is a Santa Claus. He’s stationed at Kilmer and expects to leave for overseas any day. He had a 12 hour pass and stayed here from 9:00 P.M. until 4:00 A.M, We trekked over to Yohey’s, to find them out; and then dried out, home… talked.. drank coffee and ate chicken sandwiches -- till time for him to leave. I’m really lucky!

With last night still assuming the role of a dream, Mother and I went into the Roxy to see “Winged Victory” - the wonderful Air Corps show made into as good a movie as the stage production. - We had lunch in the China Clipper and then came on home.

This evening I dressed to go to Audrey’s much-talked-of 21^st Birthday Cocktail Party, sniffing occasionally cause I would have preferred dressing to go out with Bill. The Party was festive and most nice: - Sensational Event, occurring when Audrey “let the cat out of the bag” and flashed a diamond from Jack on the appropriate finger. It hardly seems possible. Time marches on!

I moseyed around the house in the morning and then Mother and I went into Brooklyn to see Irene Dunne & Charles Boyer in “Together Again” and “The Missing Juror”. We had a late brunch of bacon and eggs and then picked up Dad at the office to bring him on home.

When we got here Lizzie said Bill had phoned. I whooped cause that meant I’d see him again. He soon called back - ate with the Yohey’s and then came on over. Mother, Dad, Bill and I sat around talking and sipping a highball. It was awfully homey and I loved it good. Bill and I are really terribly lucky --- of all weeks - that I’d be home when he passed through New York. It’s all quite wonderful, Bill’s a super guy - How I want the End of the war to come!

A hectic, but wonderful day! This afternoon I played around with Jackie Yohey, trying to give her an intelligence test for Child Psych. Many tense moments passed as she made coy remarks about Bill. (She’s six but feels keenly competition which might mean she isn’t Bill’s best girl anymore). - Later this afternoon, Bill phoned again on a Third 12-hour passed. He had 3 buddies with him; and so Glory, Aud and Joanie and I met the four of them and went to the Cafe Rouge all Evening, where Les Brown was playing. It was much fun and a good time was had by all. - as Bill and I danced around in more of a glowing daze. Love can be mighty wonderful. - but I long for a natural Existence.

The climatic end to the year! Audrey and I went to St. Gabe’s and were moved by the New Year service. Mother, Dad, Liz, and I went to the Fish Grotto for dinner and then drove on home, when shortly afterwards Bill phoned to say he has another pass as I breathed a sigh of relief and happiness. He came out for a light supper (I whipped up biscuits) and because it would have been so hectic in the city we stayed home - wanted to go to a church, but none were open… dropped by at Yohey’s and at Gloria’s - then back home for talks with the family and each other. He wants to give me an engagement ring: - if not now at graduation time, but we decided to wait until after the war. I guess I’m engaged to be engaged though. I’m so very happy!