Paris, France

December 17, 1945

Dear Mom,

Well they finally decided they had authority to run the schools here until next July, so they are continuing our courses as schedule. In my case, this means Jan 11. I don't expect to continue after that date so will probably start for home shortly thereafter.

The main office in Paris which was running all this business has just about folded up which leaves the exhibition pretty much up in the air. The school wanted the American Embassy to run it, but it seems they can't sponsor it alone but only in conjunction with a military agency. They promised to work on it, however. Everyone brought in his work the other day and it looks as if it will be as interesting a show as any other here.

The boxes of cookies and films arrived, week before last, along with your letter, Grace's and John's. Many thanks for all. Last week your Christmas card only came.

The weather is colder now and much clearer so I may be able to get a few more pictures, though everything is pretty drab.

We had snow flurries one night last week but no more since. Later the temperature went to 8 degrees below zero. This is Centigrade, however, and while I have forgotten my conversion, I think this puts it in the 20's (above) in our Fahrenheit temperature. Anyway, I've put on my woolen undershirt. The French family I wanted you to send coffee to washed my sweater for me and it came out nicely. I'll write Grace later about the package for them because I want to get this in the mail today.

I bought some new low shoes at the PX the other day for 179 francs which is about $3.25. They are very nice and much needed for I was through my others to the insole. It would have cost me as much to get the old ones repaired with the price of everything here. I had already had them repaired once.

All services like this are terribly high. It costs me $1.50 to get my trousers dry cleaned (one pair) and $.60 for one shirt (wood) and we can only send them out about once a month.

Since I'm going to be here I've saved one package for Christmas. I don't off-hand remember which it is for I'm writing this away from home. I'll probably spend Christmas day with this French family. Hope you all have happy holidays.

Love,

Bob