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INSTITUTE VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT
INSTITUTE, WEST VIRGINIA

CHARLES R. BYRD
Fire Chief

Friday Afternoon

Hi Baby:

I had all good intentions of getting this in the mail the first thing this morning.  Instead, I spent the morning jumping.  Had to take Wilson up to Lonesome's to pick up Helen's car.  Then I went into Dunbar to see about the grass cutting and erection of stands at the baseball fields (remember how you took me up last year when I had a bad back?).  The baseball season gets under way tommorrow with opening ceremonies at 1:30.  When I returned to the shop, I had to go to work on Mitchell's truck.  This kept me busy until lunchtime.  I just dashed home and fixed a sandwich and returned immediately in order to get to work on my mileage cards, statements, bills, etc.  Have a couple of jobs due in this afternoon so thought I'd best use part of my lunch hour to do some of the desk work and write to my darling.

Four years ago today it was a beautiful Sunday, we were spending our first day as man and wife, and I was coming down with a cold.  We were beginning what has been four glorious years of our lives.  Yes, we have come a long way.  Though there is still a long upward climb, which each step we can look back upon signal achievements and acquisitions.  Like a child learning to walk, each new step brings added confidence and strength.  

Though saddened yesterday by your absence, I was yet happy at the pleasant thoughts and reflections.  Last nite was a far cry from the same nite four years ago.  Nevertheless, I found solace in the thought that our separation will last only a little longer.  It is great anticipating the fine time we should have together this summer.

I still hope to construct some sort of barbecue pit ere long.  Too, I've been toying with the idea of getting a badminton set.  What do you think about it?  I believe the east side of the yard offers a nice spot (between the two trees) which is shady in late evening.  Plan to get the tennis racquets down and see what needs to be done to them.  Lloyd and Kelly are to loosen me up a bit before I go away.  Also plan to measure the front yard to see if it will accomodate croquet.  All in all, we'll get things fixed up when I get back.

Have given up on Alice May.  Bailey had offered a couple of suggestions.  He is going to write his mother today or tomorrow.  I'm not worrying, though, because I can always utilize the "Y" reservation until I find something better after I get there.

Your letter yesterday was absolutely beautiful.  It filled me with joy and brought "gooseflesh".  Oh for the day when we're together again!  Until then, dear, stay as sweet as only you can.  Write soon.

All my love my dearest,
Chas Robt.

[[left margin]] P.S. Eunice, Paul & Langley left this morning for Nashville.  Le[[strikethrough]]n[[/strikethrough]]onead & Bailey going to Beckley this evening.  I am keeping watch and feeding the hounds [[/left margin]]