April 22, 1949

Dear Roenigks,

The film arrived this a.m. in good condition. Had been opened, but sealed again very good.

Thanks for the address, too. The tribune with Henri Torlotting�s name in it arrived yesterday, so I was going to try writing from just that much address.

We plan to go to Feves sometime after May 1st as our gas is rationed and we will wait until the new liters are issued. We will write Henri (I have someone else write for us.) when we set the date so he will know we are coming. As Ed has Saturday and Sunday off, it will work out fine for us. Possibly we could leave here Friday p.m. and get part way there yet on Friday. Rheims is on the way to Feves, which is just 11 km [200 km] from Metz.

The roads here are good, but narrow - so many small cars are the reason, I guess. The countryside is very similar to the states, although spring comes so early here - looks like the latter part of May back home. The spring wheat is waving a wee bit; lilacs, tulips, etc. are in full bloom and all the cyclist (millions of them) are wearing shorts. One sees many tandem bikes - seems one person never goes alone, always a group of 3 or more riding along together. These French really enjoy their parks and all of nature as they are always out of doors, sitting on the grass, drawing, reading, painting, knitting or just loving. We are enjoying it no end.


Saturday, April 23

Got interrupted yesterday, so will finish this testament.

Velma�s letter arrived this a.m., saying she was sending some Lifesaver candies and a few other things for us to take up there. We had planned on taking some evaporated milk (It is rationed to us, but we don�t always buy all our ration of it.), perhaps some milk chocolate bars (Roundtrees, English made, but are almost as good as Hershey�s) for the children. As our car is so small, and we probably won�t be alone, we can�t take too much, but know they will appreciate anything in the way of food. (See my letter to mother about our food rations at the commissary.) If possible, I will try to take a few other items if we have the room. White flour is not to be had in France - all the bread is dark brown and most of it is very soggy. Butter and milk went off ration last week, but they are very scarce. Chocolate, sugar, macaroni, rice, spaghetti, oil for salads and cooking and coffee are among the things still rationed.

Ed and I started French lessons this past week, but it is rather slow. Don�t worry, when we go to Feves, we�ll have someone along who can interpret well for us.

We may drive to Deauville tomorrow if the weather permits. It is on the coast near Le Havre - about 3 hours from here, I think. Dan and Ruth Young, some TWA friends, are going with us if we go.

We had sorta hoped to get back for Lois� graduation, but with all of Ed�s absences, etc., the company is not anxious for him to vacation now. Also, the loads are very heavy and we would have difficulty getting out - about 9 months more and we have completed a 3 year assignment and have positive transportation to K.C. Also, about a 2 1/2 month vacation. We plan to spend 60 days of it in the states. Want to get around over Europe some - especially Belgium, Holland, possibly Denmark, Austria and, of course, France and the rest of Switzerland. We are allowed in some zones of Germany too.

Hope you all are well and we�ll try to get all the pictures you ask for.

Sincerely,

Billie and Ed

p.s. Who is winning the most pinochle games this winter?