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#77 Tuesday 19 December 12 noon Dearly Beloved, #86 came yesterday, 87 today (have all thru there) - mail is running 10 days just now, putting us 20 days apart. Too long - but after Christmas, and particularly after New Year's, it will revert to the normal 6-8 days. Yesterday I forgot to mention what I was thinking about when I saw down to write you - also received five or six of John's pictures from you, and thoroly enjoyed them. While none is worth putting on display, they’re all good to have. Particularly good of you - darling, you even take better pictures than you used to! Actually you do; it must be because you have more composure. That was occasion for me to get out all the snapshots I have and spread them out on my bed, getting a look at all of them together for the first time. It's amazing how much Wendy has grown since those pictures taken by John and how much more expression she has. - Also looked at the pictures of the house - interiors - again, the better to imagine your Christmas. Was delighted to receive the little envelope containing one of Wendy's eyelashes even if it led to one of life's minor disappointments - after I strained my eyes looking for it, found it, retrieved it with the point of a pencil which I had licked, placed it carefully on my wrist and let it dry, I shut my eyes wished, blew hard - and nothing happened. There it was, just didn't want to let go of me. Then, worse luck, I lost it when I thought I’d save it after all and tried to recover it from my wrist. Funny - my wish [pg 2] wasn't an immodest one - just for home after 18 months - so I have to explain the failure in one of the three ways: a) Wendy's eyelashes are for us to admire, but only for Wendy to blow on; b) As already implied, Wendy's eyelash was more interested in the present actuality of being with me than the misty unsubstantiality of a wish applied to the future - such is the precious unwisdom of youth; c) The wish was intercepted by the fact that I will be home in less than 18 months. While recognizing that all three considerations may have some bearing, I myself am inclined to regard the last as the essential condition. When Wendy's hair gets long enough for a few wisps to be called a lock, will you send me a lock? I won't squander it as I have the eyelash today. Yes, darling (back to letter #77 of Nov 29) - it will be lots of fun to travel with Wendy. So will it be a delight to watch her with a baby brother or sister. Not too soon, sweetie - the way I feel now is that 3-5 years difference is ok, but not any more. At any rate I want a few months with both Wendy and you first. - I love your Christmas card with the four kids in it. 8:20 pm Tonight I'm really tired, feel as tho I can get a good solid sleep if I go to be right now. Had an English class. Tomorrow's free and I'm ripe for a long letter! All my love, darling Warren
