Well I can't understand why you haven't gotten a letter from me in such a long time. I sent some film and your Christmas present last week and a letter the first of last week. I had a hard time finding something for Pa so I'm mailing his gift now when I post this. He ought to get it in time I hope. I got a card from Robin, Son, and Ron so far. I just got your card tonight Pa, it sure was swell - it will be the only one I'll save. I had a hard time finding something for you so I hope you're satisfied with what I sent. We got off this week end for the first time in two weeks and it sure did seem good to get off the post. I saw a show last night and bowled a couple of 120 games, then I went back and saw another show today. Boy it sure doesn't seem like Christmas out here. They have Christmas trees and lights and everything, but the weather don't fit. It just doesn't seem like Christmas without the snow and crisp biting refreshing cold. I'd give anything to get some real cold weather. This army sure will effect my civilian life when I get back. I'll never visit the southwest, I'll spend every winter in the snow and go east if I ever want to travel. As far as I'm concerned, they can give Calif. back to the Mexicans. Well now for the big surprise. I'll get three days for Christmas if the weather is good the first part of next week. We fly Mon.- Th. and get Fri. - Sun. off. I don't really believe it myself so I'm not counting on it. But if we do get it I'm going to Santa Ana. I won't know how to act being away from the post for such a long time.

Say, Ma, how did you like the junk I sent - they had some pins and stuff, but they didn't have anything flying about them. I know you never used to wear anything but pins but it's about time you started, besides if you don't like it just throw it out. Speaking of presents, now I'll have to get something for Mae - Lord knows what, but I'll find something. Say hello to Son and Robin for me - the lucky jerks. I was planning to send something to all the folks and then we didn't get out last week so that spoilt everything - I guess they'll have to be satisfied with the cards. Say, I'm sorry about my lack of letters but since I've been in this instrument squadron they've run me ragged. We're on the flight line from 7:15 t o 12:00 and in that time I fly one period with my instructor - under the hood, one period with a cadet - me under the hood, and one period with a cadet - him under the hood. Then the fourth period I have XXX so you can see I see nothing but instruments for four solid hours every day. On those buddy rides the guy in the front takes off and climbs to 3500 ft. then the guy under the hood flys until the period is over when the guy in front comes in and lands. The guy in the front seat just goes along for the ride - he looks out for other planes and is there in case you go into a spin or something. Just three more days and I get my check ride, then I'll have an instrument rating. When I finish with instrument I'll have just ten more hours to get to complete my 70 hours of flying I get here. Well I have to write to Mae so I better close and get at it.

Merry Christmas to the best Ma and Pa in the world,
Rae