T2020.102.427

Lankershim, Cal. Apr. 22, 1912

My dear Dedie:

"The top o' the mornin' to ye." Breakfast over, dishes picked up and several little things done and Pearl has just come to start washing, so I'll sit down and "take my pen in hand."

I suppose you have been sleeping with your telephone ear open every night. Seems a long time at this end of the line, but the ripe fruit always falls, and in good time, our little stranger will come.

I have been so very miserable part of the time, but feel fine as silk this morning. So that is good tidings! Mr. S. thot, (thought), a long quiet drive yesterday p.m. would do me good. We went out at 4 p.m. after it began to get cool and drove till nearly dark, slowly, and how I enjoyed it! Came home and had a lunch, then went to bed & slept for hrs. without waking. I needed the sleep, too.

Mrs. Falory, is still "visiting" with us and takes entire care of Margaret now, even puts her to sleep at night. They both stay outdoors most of every day which is fine for both of them. Babe looks so, cunning in her overalls. If Mr. S. has the cash today at noon, will enclose pay for them and a few little things if you want to get them and bring out when you come. He was going to send insurance dues today and every mo. There is something to take every cent & then some. Isn't it "awful"? Had a letter from home second

day. Father said if he had his property converted into cash they would like to spend the balance of their days in So. Cal. and would like to come most winters & stay about six months, anyway. I think they will. They are not well & it would do them lots of good.

How fine everything looks this morning! I want to go down & look at apricots when I finish this. We hope to have a big crop. Had some frost last night , but not enough, I guess, to do any harm. (Must take my pudding out of the oven. Rice & raisins; smell it?)

Last week, Tuesday, Ida wrote that Billy has been sick in bed for 2 weeks & sick two wks before going to ho. We had not heard in about six weeks so Mr. S. went in that same evening & came home on the 11:15 car. Said he never saw his bro. look so bad. Heard last week, (Friday, I think), that he was improving, but will be some time before they can go to new home. The folks came from Texas and are occupying part of Billy's house so they are anxious to get away as soon as they can. They may not come

out before they go.

Mrs. Rickner is very sick and doctor says she cannot get well. She is the mother of our Pastor's wife. We called there while out riding to inquire. Was a little better yesterday. Hope you & Daddy are not working too hard. So much to be done on a ranch this time of year. Mr. Sherwin stayed at home Fri. & Sat. to work & I tell you a little work makes things look better here. Our door yard, back & front, looks pretty good just now, clean etc. & roses blooming nicely. I'll stop now & finish later. "Ya".

1 p.m. Mr. S. is hitching up. He had "change" enough for the "odie alls" but I want to send more & he said he'd have more in a few days.

Will let you hear as soon as anything occurs.

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