February 12th, 1951

Tel Aviv

Best beloved Poiky,

I was so happy to get your letter! It was almost as good as seeing you, and I do miss you a lot. Poiky darling, you won’t forget your old stinker amongst all the pleasures abroad, will you? I am glad you are being looked after so well and having your tummy filled with good food, but don’t tell me to beware when you come back – because I won’t spoil you. I imagine that going on to London will be a sobering experience in some respects and I wouldn’t be surprised if the international situation will be viewed more seriously there, but then on the other hand, the country will be bursting with exhibition preparations. I’ve just been reading about some of the ideas on the agenda and it certainly made my mouth water. Darling go and see as much as you have time and money for. You haven’t had any artistic enjoyment for a long time and you had better be a glutton in that respect. But do let me a share – write often and in detail.

You never mentioned how Matty liked the photos and what the children thought of their presents. Did (unintelligible) still remember you? Have I packed everything for you darling or did you find yourself without toothbrush and paste?

Matty’s friend came to see me on Sunday. She stayed for quite a long time and Liki was delighted to have someone to play ball with. She told me that what she misses most in this country is a stimulant – be it cultural or artistic or anything else and, she says, there is nowhere to spend a pleasant hour. She is going to bring me a good preparation for cleaning the skin in the evenings – so when you come back I should be exceedingly I was going to say beautiful, but had better substitute it by “clean”.

I’ve written Ma’am another letter, don’t forget to drop her a line. I also hope you received my last two letters. You see I’m being a good girl, writing regularly. How could I do otherwise for, after all, if I can’t unburden myself to my Boss (capital B) to whom else could I tell all these little things?

Your father was up here this evening though I told him not to climb the stairs so often. He says his chest is not too good and he is going to see the doctor about some extra rations. I hope he will feel better when it gets warmer. It is really miserable outside.

I had quite a busy morning but slept practically the whole afternoon. I find myself very tired and exhausted and am really trying hard to look after myself. I spoke to Mrs Gut this morning concerning the (unintelligible).

She says (Tammy?) is very happy there and when the owner comes back from Tiberias, where she is spending her holiday, she will go and speak to her about Liki. It appears that the new year begins in September, but perhaps she can take Liki before that. I’ve also been to get my new sick-card and went to the nurse about my injections. She told me her daughter is getting married the day after tomorrow and she doesn’t feel like doing it till next Sunday. It’s OK by me (I wouldn’t mind postponing it even longer!). This morning I also got chicken – half a kilo for myself and half a kilo for the children. So we had a feast and Liki ordered pancakes to round off the meal. The baby is walking quite freely now and Liki thinks it’s great sport to give him a push now and then. You won’t believe me but I put the little one to bed at about three o’clock this afternoon and he refused to wake up for supper. He is still sleeping and it’s quite late and I have decided to leave him in peace. It’s a miserably cold night and he is better off nice and snug in bed.
The slippers you got me are quite invaluable now and your daughter informs me daily that she too wants (unintelligible). She can be very sweet, the little one, when she feels like it. She still wants to go to Italy to see her daddy and doda Matty but, so I am told, Moshe does not want to go. He wants to stay at home.

I can’t think of any more to say except that I miss you. Make the best of your time abroad and come back invigorated and full of pep, and don’t let’s stay old sticks-in-the-mud. Have you seen Kauffman yet?

Have a good night, Boss, a very pleasant night with sweet dreams and remember I love you,

Bossy.