Beginning on November 1, which is the date of my mother’s first letter from her Hawaii trip 84 years ago, I am serializing day by day, the book, Cecilia King’s Extraordinary Senior Trip, which you can obtain from Amazon in either Kindle or paperback.

I hope you enjoy the upcoming nine-months in Hawaii 1940-41.

Honolulu, Friday, January 17, 1941

I certainly have gotten behind – lost three whole days. But I’ve been going every second. Right now I’m doing this while my white shorts are soaking so I’ll have something to play tennis in this P.M. – if Worley gets back from the field before dark.

Guess I’d better start back at Tuesday – which was blank except for McCarleys calling for a dinner next Thursday – Wednesday – played tennis all afternoon with Worley, Iggie & a gal visiting Navy from Minn. – Certainly enjoyed the games, but broke three strings in my racket. So  I’ll trot down to the PX tomorrow and give then some precious  dollars to restring it.
We played till dark – stopped on the way home for a coke and then came home to do a quick shower, dress job. Had dinner about an half hour later at Kewalo Inn – and danced for a while, but were both so tired we could hardly walk – much less dance

To some of the horrible mixtures of rhythms the orchestra concocted. Did have a good dinner though – ulua steak, etc. Couldn’t get in the upstairs dining room & the downstairs was swarming with Japs – one or two American parties – and an olio of “ferigners” having a U. of H. dinner & singing “God Bless America.” Some fun!
Yesterday: met Fran John Bishop downtown at the Young Hotel about 4 – then we rambled out to Schofield – called first on the Capt. (Bob) Hamiltons & their two children and dog. He (Capt. H., not the dog) is a Methodist preacher’s son from I’ve forgotten where & her sister is married to a Meth. Preacher by name of Pearce. Know them?

They were both very nice – quite young. Oh yes, he was a classmate of Jimmie Kinleys & James Heighs –They’re having us out for something soon, I think.

From there we went to call on Col. Caldwells guest who was quite uninteresting. Then to Kemoo Farm for a mock-turkey leg dinner – back to the P.H. Officers Club. Played around there for a while then on into town – via South Seas – to say hello to John’s gunner who we were supposed to meet -- & so to Kahala. I sometimes wonder when these poor ensigns sleep. They have to leave town before 11 to get the midnight launch out – at one to get the 2:15 – or else they sit on the docks until seven in the morning. And 4 o’clock A.M. target practice is always inspiring. I also found out last night, by severe prompting, that men aren’t on a ship – but in it.

Helen just called & I’m to be ready at 6:30 tomorrow night for the Dole party. Between five and six I’m to go to Toulous. From 1:30 to 4:30 I shall witness the softball teams of the USS Oklahoma in action at the semifinal league game at Pearl harbor. Wonder what one wears to a softball game at Pearl Harbor?
Honestly, these Annapolis men have such a terrific line that I’m always about three plays behind. They’re beautifully trained, have perfect manners – but oh so slick! Think I’ll still settle any old day for a nice, plain Field Artillery, (sort of a happy Medium between the drastic (Air Corps) and divine (Navy).

Just got your letter yesterday (20 cents due) before skipping out so scanned it & then reread it just now. Heavens! I thought I had a busy week –but it looks like a sick mouse compared with all your going. Anyhoo – the mouse was having fun!
I certainly enjoyed hearing about the Beebe hooking club – and, by the way, I think it’s well worth a dime to hear one of little Garrett’s stories – Wish you’d send me a clipping of the Kiwanis installation.

I think it’s perfectly wonderful that you all are going to get to see K. Hepburn on the stage!

Hope that sprig dress looked encouraging – I could really welcome with open arms a sort of spectator sportish something right now. And – especially one with a pleated all-around skirt like the navy blue one.