AMSTERDAM
Dear Miis and Toon,
Hurray! The lights are on again after a month of having to make do with candles. As there were no candles left in the store, the message was "use sparingly". In the Chapel we have been saying the Rosary instead of prayers, as it was too dark to read the prayer book. The evenings and mornings were the worst as we had to undress and dress in the dark. We couldn't even see what we were eating at supper time, or what was on our plates. We prayed for the electricity to come on again, because our bells were also out of action, and no one could ring for a sister in case of a fall or illness. Then, unexpectedly, someone came to inspect the wiring, because, he said, he was going to restore the lights. We couldn't believe him, but it turned out to be true. We wanted to laugh and cry, we were so pleased and happy. I took the opportunity to sit down and start writing to you again immediately. We each have one lamp which we have to use very sparingly, but it is certainly an improvement on the candle. My eyes have not been so good the last few weeks, but I should be able to see much better.
Next week we have to eat our bread dry, as butter and fat are not to be had anymore. We are also having the bread ration reduced again, originally it was 800 gms per day, it is now 1400 gms per week; for people who have a good appetite this is obviously not enough. For weeks now we have had no meat. The meals from the central kitchen are not sufficient either:- 500 mls per person. Black market potatoes can be brought for 100 - 120 guilders per mud (= 4 bushels). I had a few buttons moved on my fur coat, some tape put in the belt, and some cord loops made so I can do the buttons up, and for that I had to pay 15 guilders. You cannot buy a hat for less than 75 guilders. Once a fortnight I visit Tante Anna, and I take my sandwiches with me. We have to do without tea or coffee as there is no gas or electricity with which to boil the kettle. Also we cannot have the stove on as there is no coal.
A doctor I know is going to get married in a few days time, he was married in the Registry Office 7 months ago otherwise he would not have been eligible for living accommodation, and because he went "underground", he was not able to marry in the church until now. They bought a 2nd hand stove, but had to fetch it themselves, as these days there is no one to do these things, he had the stove on his bicycle and she carried the piping under arm. They also bought those potatoes at 100 guilders per mud with which to start their honeymoon (wittebroods weken) as there is no white bread to be had, only brown!
Bye Bye Mies and Toon
until next time
Your loving Mother
