5

hill, standing up with the pole to guide
yourself with, and using the pole, you
can project yourself with great rapidity
over the straight flat snow. Tis very
dangerous business, but extremely exciting.
I didn't go out that day, but will, if I'm able
soon. Can't say I'm feeling in the bloom of
health, but am somewhat better I think than
when I last wrote you.
We fully expected to go East awhile this winter,
but Mr. Hickox could not get away for any
longer time than six weeks so, we spent it at
home. We had a very lovely Xmas. All
of the family were at home. But I hated
so to leave them all and come way up here
to this frigid zone of a place.
We are having a severe blizzard tonight, tis
snowing and blowing and the lake is roaring
dreadfully. This have, [sic], been a very mild
winter. Even the little bays along the shore
have none of them been frozen. Bu,t if this
weather keeps up, it won't be long before there is
plenty of ice.
Intend sending you a fur pillow as soon as I
can gather some more, for that which I gathered
is poor, and I want to send you a nice one.
You must surely visit us this summer. Mr.
Hickox is at home for a, [wonder ?], this evening. Just
came in, very tired. And we've been planning to