[California Institute of Technology]

[Gates and Crellin Laboratories of Chemistry]

Saturday Mar. 17 11AM

Dearest love:

I hope that everything is all right with you and the children, and that you slept well. You are a wonderful girl.

I had a good night, except for a couple of hours (2 to 4) when I couldn't sleep. I read the Sat Eve Post a while, and that finally induced slumber. My ribs seem a little sore, from the rather hard bed - this bedroom has a bed like that in a roomette, rather than that in a berth.

We are passing beautiful little pine trees which stand green against the white comforter of snow on the ground, and some of the branches bear puffy white pillows. It is clear, except for thin clouds through which the snow is shining.

The rolls are wonderful! I tried at 9 to get in the diner, but the line was too long; then I returned at 10, and waited until word was passed back that the diner had been closed. A few paper cups of coffee were sold, + then no more; but I browbeat the steward into selling me one ( and some also to some army boys with me), and I have had a royal breakfast of two buttered rolls and Bel Paese Kaese - far better that I could have got in the diner.

The only complaining I heard was from a dumpy couple with German accents - they were carrying their cups of coffee up and down the aisles, because they'd forgotten the number of their car!

I'm grateful to you for remembering to give me a lunch! I love you, and Crelly, and Linda, and Peter (and Linus).

Your o [rest is torn off]