(以下、https://www.amazon.com/butchers-daughters-recycled-recollections-twentieth/dp/B0006RQ2Z4より) Forward: My impetus for writing 'The Butcher's Daughters' came from the tour director of the 542nd Parachute Infantry reunion in the spring of 1999. John Toth thought Hope's and my World War II experiences were interesting. At eighty some years my recollections are not always clear or complete but I have tried to write about them as honestly as possible. But I cannot gain say that my version is the truth and the whole truth, so help me God. The chapters are divided roughly into decades of the 20th Century. The 90's are ending with my 87th birthday celebration, August 24, 1999. Patrick McGovern, my computer instructor, has always been very original about planning an interesting birthday. For this one he insisted that he take me out to dinner. I agreed but stipulated that it not be an expensive restaurant and that it be "different." He picked me up in his Acura and drove South of Market where there are many new restaurants. We stopped and entered a very inconspicuous doorway with a name in very small letters that read "Asia sf." The room was very narrow with a bar the top of which acted as a stage. On one side were the bar customers and on the other; to which we were escorted, were the dining tables. An attractive server explained the menu of unusual items and advised us to order at least three, which we would share. After we got our drinks the entertainment began with a performance of singing and dancing. Pat kept looking at me and asking if I knew what was happening. Not being sure I guessed that he had brought me to a strip tease joint. When the fourth performer finally began I tumbled to the fact that all of them were "drag queens"! As you can see from the photo Pat snapped as they sang happy birthday to me, they were as beautiful as any female. So here begins the tale of two sisters who did not follow the usual paths prescribed for women of their generation. -Fay Kramer