It was a lovely day for a sleep in and a quiet breakfast. The sun was shining and the kiddlies were in calm moods. The parents had a list of things they wanted to accomplish so we all split up and went various ways. I went to the Farmers Market with Maya and the girls and then Mom went on home and we went to the park for a good long time. We had a grand time. Sliding, riding on the rocking things that look like a motor cycle and a side car. The two buddies only like doing it when they can do it together. Then we went down to the play area that they decided is a restaurant. I was in charge of ordering myself various meals which they would serve me and then announce they were closed until the next meal. It was cool but sunny and lovely.
Around sometime afternoon we decided to head back but not before we played another game. The three of us sat on a very high bench and I sang a song about two little girls sitting on a bench, one got off and the other got pinched. one would just off and run away. then I would sing about one little girl sitting on the bench etc. and the other would just off and run away. Then we switched it up to three girls sitting on the bench. They liked that better. Finally Asta figured a way to get on the bench herself by walking on a wall and climbing on to the seat of the bench from the wall. That girl is very creative and inventive. Also she can count and count. I am not use to three year old who could way up high in their numbers, as well as by twos. Just kind of threw me off.
We had gotten some good yummy items at the Farmers Market, like cider, cider donuts, cheese buns, really sharp cheddar cheese, tomatoes etc. so when we arrived back at the house, Mor-Mor was there (other grandma) and we all sat down together and had a wonderful lunch. We played some games as we ate, like if you could visit anywhere in the world which continent would you want to visit and in what country on that continent. Sol wanted to live in Peru in SA. Asta wants to live in NA in some state, Mor-mor wanted to live in Egypt, Grandpa in Ireland, Grandma in Melbourne Australia so she could see Sam etc. it was fun, and the little girls know all the continents and many of the countries in each.
After lunch and some card games Maya and I took her mom back to her assisted living residence and I got a tour around and met some of the folks who live there. It looks very nice but then they usually do look nice. Met a lovely woman who had been a case worker in NY City for foster kids and is down here because her nephew lives nearby. She was from Tennessee but ended up in NY after traveling around a lot. Sounds like she had a pretty darn good life.
Then once we got back and Ian arrived back from his visit to Baltimore we all went out to dinner. Had a good meal and then gelato to end the day with. Now the girls are in bed, not going to sleep as well as one might want but oh well. We are planning to have them up for a week in April to see if they can make it for that length of time at Grandma’s house away from parents. IF that works we will do a two week stretch in the summer when there is no camp and no school. Then they can have a weeks family vacation to end the three weeks.
It has been a good five days here and we will head home in the morning. Will miss the little kids of course but there is nothing we can do about that situation.
This following info followed by Pat’s letter.
Here is some info I got on line from Wikipedia about the Battle of Caen:
The Battle for Caen from June–August 1944 was a battle between Allied forces of the mainly Anglo-Canadian Second Army and German forces of Panzergruppe West during the Battle of Normandy. The Allies aimed to take the French city of Caen, one of the largest cities in Normandy, on D-Day. Caen was a vital objective for several reasons. Firstly, it lay astride the Orne River and Caen Canal; these two water obstacles could strengthen a German defensive position if not crossed. Secondly, Caen was a road hub; in German hands it would enable the enemy to shift forces rapidly. Thirdly, the area around Caen was relatively open, especially compared to the bocage country in the west of Normandy. This area was valued for airfield construction.
On D-Day, Caen was an objective for the British 3rd Infantry Division and remained the focal point for a series of battles throughout June, July and into August. The battle did not go as planned for the Allies, instead dragging on for two months, because German forces devoted most of their reserves to holding Caen, particularly their armoured reserves. As a result German forces facing the American invasion thrust further west were spread thin, relying on the rough terrain of the back country to slow down the American advance. With so many German divisions held up defending Caen, the American forces were eventually able to break through to the south and east, threatening to encircle the German forces in Normandy from behind.
# 53
August 15, 1944
Hello:
Got Mother’s ordinary mail letter and Sheila sent me Connie’s lovely, long letter, tell her not to worry who she sends them to as long as they come. Mother and Marye will have a perfect trip. I’m so glad they are taking it. No, I do not need any stockings. I need only the list I sent and which you probably have by now. And some Vitamin A & B & D. They do not carry them anymore. Eau-de-cologne is most important because it helps keep the morale of our fighting men up. They love the smell of Canadians.
I am very busy. We have one officer’s ward and two others . The heat is terrific. France is a beautiful country. The nites are wonderful. It is very cold in the morning, then gets so warm and the smell of the patients and the dirt and gore and blood and the flies of course always around. I have seen enough in the last ten days to completely disillusion me only I never will be and the courage of most of the lads counteracts it. I have one now who has lost both legs and one arm and fingers of the other hand and gas gangerine is setting in and he doesn’t say one thing. Just grins at me and winks when ever I come near and wishes me “sweet dreams” when I go off. He is an example. I have never seen so many amputations or so much suffering. I wish I was ten people and could do all I want to for them.
Brig Wyman told me the war was cinched, not that I didn’t suspect it but in the mean-time there are the boys. But I shouldn’t tell you these things. Lib and Maggie are back from the CCS and that’s another story. Bobbie just says she’s been in hell for a month. Oh well we do have our lighter moments. But by the way, if the European war ends I shall go on to the Pacific one or wherever the army goes, in case you are wondering about my plans.
Every nite is fun. Dick comes up so often and brings friends for the gals.
Everyone seems to be having a good time at home and that makes me very happy. I want Mother and Dad to rest a lot. So glad Dad called the Noonans. What a wonderful lad Danny is. We expect a move anytime now so soon Patricia will be packing once again, but that suites me, just follow the boys, what a good life!
love and kisses, Pat
PS I cut a picture of William Elliot (Air Vice Marshall) out of an English paper. Will send it home to Bertha. P.
The following is a picture of Brigadier General Wyman Canadian Forces
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