February 2, 1942

February 2, 1942
Monday evening
I don't seem to be very faithful in making these entries and keeping track of affairs and this war as much as I'd like. It keeps me pretty busy writing to the children and doing all the things I have to do to keep the wheels moving.
Haven't had any letter from Virginia except the one since the Pearl Harbor tragedy. It does seems as though some mail should filter through e'er this.
Ressa came over last Saturday evening and we had a very enjoyable time together, as usual. We always promise each other - most solemnly – that we won't speak of the war – but we aren't together two minutes until we're off – allee samee Whirlaway. (I'm sure he couldn't make better time than we.) Ressa is always refreshing and we always have a few good laughs, although there isn't quite so much to laugh about now as there was a few years ago.
She was thrilled when I told her about our "little Captain" and our "big Captain" too. It's such a pleasure to tell her something that you think is particularly good news, for she rejoices with you and you know she's really happy for you – not like Betty B. who says "Is he" in a dead pan voice when told Kreigh was now a Captain instead of saying (like most folks do) "Well, that's lovely", and "Aren't you proud?" I'm glad I'm not jealous like that. I think that sort of person must miss a lot of fun in life.
Yesterday we drove down to Redwood City to see Anne's mother. It was raining, but I didn't mind. The hills looked so beautiful and green it was a real feast for the eyes. There have been so many changes down the peninsula of late. All of the old estates are being subdivided and new tracts are springing up all over. Moderately priced homes are taking the places of the mansions and, while they may not be so substantial in their construction, they're most attractive – and so cozy and sweet within – all of the newest modern conveniences. I had visions of my own darling children having the kind of homes they wanted down the peninsula – or over in Marin Co. – but this war! I wonder when it will ever end!
From the way things are going now, I'm afraid they will not get worse before they get better. It's going to take some little time before our production end of it is going to get in full swing. And to think that the cream of our manhood has to suffer because of that cruel paranoia and his miserable "utensils" (as Winston Churchill dubbed them.)
I'm so worried about Kreigh. I don't know when or where he may be moved. Now that Stephen is here it would be such a pity if he had to leave the country. He'll make such a sweet father. He'll give generously of himself and material things – but wisely – I'm sure.

Some of the highlights of the news:
US fleet swashes Jap island bases near Wake in a surprise attack by planes and war ships take a terrific toll. Navy and air stations are blasted. American losses are small. This is first Yankee bombing of Nippon territory.
Corrgidor wipes out an invasion fleet; drive is foiled before it is even started. General MacArthur is certainly doing a magnificent job. I see in the paper tonight that another ship was in yesterday bringing three hundred more evacuees. One woman said "The writer who talked about the beautiful climate and scenery. Forgot to mention mosquitoes" That sounds very much like my darling Ginny who calls the mosquitos in the islands B19 no less.
Perhaps I'll get a letter tomorrow. I'm keeping my fingers crossed.