Last Day at the Ranch and Fifth Letter....

I took my first cup of coffee down to the meadow this morning and sat under this big tree....

in silence. Quiet can be very restoring to mind, body and spirit.

I love it down here on my step son's ranch.

I love seeing the critters.

I love the quiet.

I love the beauty of nature.

All the flowers here are wild and more beautiful than the cultured ones I plant at home.

I guess I love the rest and peace I find here.

Today we stayed here on the ranch.

Louis Dean had a fret full night. I woke several  times to find him sitting on the couch unable to sleep.

He will need to get an appointment when we get home and he will go alone.

 His knee was doing great but I think now that it's healing - and the fact that he didn't do the exercises may be causing him all this discomfort. His being sick with bronchitis prevented him from feeling like exercising and one thing feeds another.

Lucy barely recognizes us and at least she hasn't barked at Louis Dean when she followed me back to the camper this morning. I do think her first love is to Dean - my step son.

I have cleaned the camper and am packing things up to go home tomorrow.

Hopefully I can come back next month and stay a few days.

The fall is beautiful down here and I can't wait to be here for it.

We always go somewhere for my birthday in September and THIS is where I want to come this year.

Bathroom is all cleaned up, the pantry is done and I vacuumed the carpet.

Louis Dean has the fire started outside and we plan to stay up and enjoy the night sky!

Here is the fifth letter in the collection and it is the most fragile of all.

Written in pencil on brown paper - it was falling apart as I read it.

                                                                                                                Palestine, Texas
                                                                                                                  November - 14 - 1936
Dear "Katie,"
             Aren't we the most exciting correspondents? Your letters come so fast they pass mine on the way to you. I know you are having a grand time. I have heard of all your teas and teas and teas. We may be a dull crowd to you when you come home. Bring me lots of new ?? - winkles or wrinkles?? - tea wrinkle you know. I dote on tea for small groups. I know you enjoyed the cold more. It surely was cold here and with the ice hanging all over everything - when the sun came out the next morning it was a beautiful sight. Looked like millions of diamonds. That's the only real cold weather we have had so far. The icy weather killed all of your marigolds but didn't kill the chrysanthemums or fall asters. They are real pretty yet. And by watching the weather forecast we can cut a lot of them and bring them in to keep for Thanksgiving. Not that Thanksgiving will mean anything when it comes to dinner and decorations.Of course the day always means what it should to all of us. I'm sure your mother has told you we have lost Bro. Mathison. I haven't seen our new preacher yet, but we will all love to say we like him fine. I went over to the pastor's home yesterday before he and his wife reached town - and helped get the house ready for them. We put up new curtains in all three bedrooms - had new rugs put down in dining room and living room - one new bedroom suite - we polished and cleaned everything and put flowers all over the house. It was lots of fun and it all looked so nice. We are all anxiously waiting to pass judgment on the new folks - And don't you know he and his wife will look all of us over.
         Pope was so keenly disappointed not to get Bro. Mathison back another year anyway. He says that's the one thing he doesn't like about Methodist.
         I'm sending you a little pin money - and I'm asking you to please not buy me one single five cents worth. I know how need every bit of your money - and Christmas is near. You are always so sweet to buy me some little pretty and you are dear to want to do it, but this time, I am begging you not to do it.
         Love to Polly and Willis and a lot for your dear little self.
                                                                                            Eva