We decided to go to 'town' today.
Actually, Louis Dean was the one who wanted to go and I went with him.
I could stay right here in the camper for a long time before I 'needed' to go to town.
I think he had a touch of cabin fever - that and his knee is still hurting.
He knows it's healing but he is not good with pain!
It's a blessing he doesn't have to deal with a lot of pain as a rule.
His son was going to town, too! The good neighbor that he is - he had offered to take a friend in to do some errands. We met up with each other at the gate.
Now country folk take their dogs with them everywhere!
Lucy is no longer a 'city' girl!!!
BOTH Lucy and Rufus barked at Louis Dean when he came up to talk to Dean.
Then while Dean was closing the gate - Lucy wouldn't even look at us!!!
Do you think she knows she's about to have to leave?
We keep telling Dean we will gladly pay 'Dog Support!'
We went into Mart - population: 1,911! - and had lunch at the little diner on Texas Road.
Louis Dean ordered a chicken fried steak with mashed potatoes and gravy that would have fed a family! He only ate a small portion of it and we drove down to the Dollar Store and bought a Styrofoam ice chest and a bag of ice to save the rest of it in! For supper tonight he ate another section of it and I guess he'll finish it off at lunch tomorrow!
From Mart we drove on into Waco to pick up a couple of plumbing supplies for his son.
I went in at Walmart and bought a vacuum cleaner for the camper.
Tomorrow I will clean all 31 feet of it!
Should take less than an hour!!
When we got back to the ranch, we drove on down to the meadow and picked up a few pieces of wood for a camp fire tonight.
This is the meadow area where everyone camps when they come down.
Dean and Sherry had a group of friends down just this past weekend.
The ranch is a popular place!
Lots of wide open spaces!
Louis Dean got the firewood ready for this evening.
He brought his chain saw with him!
He plastered this sweet bird bath that Dean and Sherry put up here because they know how much we enjoy the birds.
Then we both went inside the camper and took good long naps!
I rode my bike up to the gate in back when I got up and the sun had started to set. Then I rode on the other side of the small tank and then back down to the meadow.
Every night there is a wonderful sunset!
This video is of the night sounds as Louis Dean and I sit out by the campfire.
The embers have died down now and Louis Dean is already in bed.
It's time to call this a day!
Now for the fourth letter!
I typed this up earlier in the day and will close with it.
I know the Krueger family was of German descent and I have been trying to find information on Kathryn's father. His name was L.A. Krueger and that's just about all we know of him - so far!
I'm certain we will learn more as we go through the letters one by one.
The third letter was dated in August 1935 and we skip to August 1936 for this fourth letter in the collection. This one is from Leila (who worked as a stenographer at a railroad office) to her daughter, Kathryn.
Saturday
Dearest Baby:
Your card, written Thursday, just received, glad to get it, for I always look for something.
You have been so sweet about writing me since you have been gone, and I appreciate it a lot, I love you too.
Well, no, I can't exactly match your cool weather, though nights before last and last night I have slept under the sheet and spread and the day was no so terrific yesterday, nor has it been so far today, though we have not had to wear coats.
Saturday and off at one, thank goodness, I am tired and will be glad of the afternoon off, not that I'm not always glad to have it off, but I am rather tired for some unknown reason. One thing I have just closed out the month's accounts and had plenty to do, that is one of the reasons you didn't get a letter Thursday, but you should of had one yesterday, and will get one Monday and the funnies.
I went out to Eva's yesterday after work and stayed a while, never did see Jack, for he was asleep and so I left before he waked. Jessie had not returned from San Antonio, guess she came in this morning, they were expecting her. I know this was a hard trip for her. Eva said yesterday morning Mr. Kelley, (you know the Kelleys are friends of Rob's and Jessie's), called and said Mrs. Kelley had a huge bunch of zenias to take out to Rob's grave and she was called out of town and that he had to leave that morning early and wondered if Jessie would come over and get the flowers, Eva told him Jessie was in San Antonio, but she would come, and she went and said they were so pretty, so she carried them out to the cemetery. I think that was lovely of them to think of sending them. We carried some out the afternoon of the 30th.
The Pals are fourth from the bottom now, but still I see no chance of their getting back to the top. I would love to see a good game.
Mrs. Williamson came after me yesterday afternoon in our car. Mr. W. had taken the afternoon off so she only had to come after me, and I had asked her to lets drive yours some to keep the battery up. It is the dirtiest thing I ever saw, but I do hate to have it washed, yet I expect I should too.
This afternoon I have a good many little things to do, I want to wash my blue seersucker dress, I never have let Rose wash it, for I always hang it carefully then it doesn't have to be pressed, and I like to wear it because it is so soft and cool. Mrs. Williamson has my batiste dress about finished. It is just plain, but will be cool. It is kind of hard to keep my dresses in shape, sending my wash every other week, as I do, but with Rose washing some out I manage, and I don't want to get me any more.
Daily-Temple have sold out to the Jay Shop, I have been thinking they would not stay open long.
Monday
Well here we are starting a new week, first thing we know old summer will be gone and we will be thinking of fall clothes and then the shivering winter days, how I dread them.
I went to church yesterday morning, with Jessie, Eva and Pope go to S.S., so Jessie and Raymond came by for me, but after S.S. Eva came and told me Pope did not feel well so they were going home, so I went home with Jessie and Raymond. There was a very nice crowd and Bro. Matherson preached such a good sermon. I went home, and we had dinner then I went up and washed my white linen dress, I wanted to leave it in Clorox for a while, for it looked a little dingy, since I have not been sending my things to the laundry, then I lay down and read a while and then Mrs. W. called me and we played Casino till about four, went out and got a watermelon, came home ate that and played Casino again till about six, I fed the cats and sat out in the yard till supper time and then we played again.
I think we are going to go to the show tonight to see Suzy, that is what we have planned, Jessie suggested going yesterday, but I told her I would rather not go on Sunday, so we are going tonight. Tomorrow night is the big car drawing for the car, I hope I get to go and how I hope I win the car, though I am not going to be disappointed if I don't for I don't expect to win it. I know Bill is going, but I hope Mrs. W. and Jessie go too, for I don't want to go with just Bill. I am going to phone Louise today, if I can get her at her mother's and see if she and Sam are going, if not Ernest may go with Bill and and I will go with them, if I can't get any other way.
R. T. hasn't gotten the Victrola yet, Eva said he has to wait till he can get his father's wagon to move it. I wish he would hurry and get it, now that it is sold I want it out of my way.
The cats are all thriving beautifully. Snowball's babies are growing a lot though their eyes are not open yet. I can hardly fill her up, she seems hungry all the time, goes to the refrigerator and cries and I feed her. She is so cute with her babies. Rose said that Saturday she jumped out of the box and turned it over on its side and spilled the babies out, she said she picked one up in her mouth and started in the dining room, or in that direction, and she said, "No, bring your baby back, I will fix the box," and she said Snowball turned round and went back to the box with it, (Rose in the meantime had turned the box back up), she said it looked just like she knew what Rose said.
I am expecting a letter from you when I go to the P.O. this morning. I never go before ten, to be sure the Sunshine has come in, but since I didn't go yesterday, I feel sure there will be something. Write me right away if you have decided to stay longer than this week, you know I will not be mad , if you want to stay, and that I really want you to stay and have a good time as long as you like. You know I never object to your having a good time, or going places any time, and that I never get mad at you at any time, I don't say I never get provoked, but even when I do, it does not last long, now be honest, do I ever get mad at you? If you could only know the half of how I love you, I expect you, as well as others, might be surprised, and some day I expect you will know. If ever I have done anything little or mean or selfish where you are concerned, I am sorry, and want you to know it has not been intentional. Oh, how I love you, and would spare you any ache or pain, or heartache, if only I could.
I hope the cool weather stays up there the rest of your visit, for I know it will be so much more pleasant.
I can hardly wait to see your picture, I know it will be sweet and pretty, for it couldn't be otherwise. I wish I had it right here on my desk. Be sure and write me right away if you have decided just when you will be home, I am not trying to hurry you, Rose wants to know so she will have the house shining for you and no use doing it twice, the things she is going to do, she was hoping to start it today, and I told her to wait till I heard from you again, she keeps it nice now, but she said she wants it shining when you get here. If Tony and his mother will be there next Sunday, why don't you stay on at least that next week, and see them. Tony will be disappointed at not seeing you, and you will enjoy going to the zoo with him, and I won't be a bit mad.
I am not going to write any more now till after I have been to the P.O. and see if there is a letter, there night be something in it you want answered.
Later
I went to the P.O. and got your letter, and one from Jeanne, and your books, I have not opened the books yet, but notice on the outside there is a gift book.
Well, I guess you must have two letters from me today, for you should, no, I don't believe there was to be a letter for you Friday, though I thought there was to be one Thursday, may be not, I was pretty busy last week. You will have my letter telling you to stay longer than this Saturday, for I really don't mind in the least, and I want you to get your visit out joyfully and happily. Let me know as soon as you get this letter, you should get it tomorrow afternoon, I will mail it as soon as I finish it, and then if you drop me a card right away I should get it at least Thursday. By all means stay over Sunday and if you stay that long, then it will be O.K. to stay till the next Saturday when Willis will be off so can get to the train easier, and I mean it when I say stay longer.
I know your pictures are sweet, if you had the miniature it seems like $1.50 is a lot for the frames, but may be not. You are not having Jessie's framed? I will get a frame here or in Dallas before Xmas for hers then, for she was so nice to give us our one of Rob. I think I am going to bring Rob's down and have it reframed, or it is going to ruin, and I love it so.
There was not much in your letter to answer and as I have already written about all I know before getting your letter, will have to stop. Lots and lots of hugs and kisses for the sweetest little girl in the world.
Your own
Mother
You have been so sweet about writing me since you have been gone, and I appreciate it a lot, I love you too.
Well, no, I can't exactly match your cool weather, though nights before last and last night I have slept under the sheet and spread and the day was no so terrific yesterday, nor has it been so far today, though we have not had to wear coats.
Saturday and off at one, thank goodness, I am tired and will be glad of the afternoon off, not that I'm not always glad to have it off, but I am rather tired for some unknown reason. One thing I have just closed out the month's accounts and had plenty to do, that is one of the reasons you didn't get a letter Thursday, but you should of had one yesterday, and will get one Monday and the funnies.
I went out to Eva's yesterday after work and stayed a while, never did see Jack, for he was asleep and so I left before he waked. Jessie had not returned from San Antonio, guess she came in this morning, they were expecting her. I know this was a hard trip for her. Eva said yesterday morning Mr. Kelley, (you know the Kelleys are friends of Rob's and Jessie's), called and said Mrs. Kelley had a huge bunch of zenias to take out to Rob's grave and she was called out of town and that he had to leave that morning early and wondered if Jessie would come over and get the flowers, Eva told him Jessie was in San Antonio, but she would come, and she went and said they were so pretty, so she carried them out to the cemetery. I think that was lovely of them to think of sending them. We carried some out the afternoon of the 30th.
The Pals are fourth from the bottom now, but still I see no chance of their getting back to the top. I would love to see a good game.
Mrs. Williamson came after me yesterday afternoon in our car. Mr. W. had taken the afternoon off so she only had to come after me, and I had asked her to lets drive yours some to keep the battery up. It is the dirtiest thing I ever saw, but I do hate to have it washed, yet I expect I should too.
This afternoon I have a good many little things to do, I want to wash my blue seersucker dress, I never have let Rose wash it, for I always hang it carefully then it doesn't have to be pressed, and I like to wear it because it is so soft and cool. Mrs. Williamson has my batiste dress about finished. It is just plain, but will be cool. It is kind of hard to keep my dresses in shape, sending my wash every other week, as I do, but with Rose washing some out I manage, and I don't want to get me any more.
Daily-Temple have sold out to the Jay Shop, I have been thinking they would not stay open long.
Monday
Well here we are starting a new week, first thing we know old summer will be gone and we will be thinking of fall clothes and then the shivering winter days, how I dread them.
I went to church yesterday morning, with Jessie, Eva and Pope go to S.S., so Jessie and Raymond came by for me, but after S.S. Eva came and told me Pope did not feel well so they were going home, so I went home with Jessie and Raymond. There was a very nice crowd and Bro. Matherson preached such a good sermon. I went home, and we had dinner then I went up and washed my white linen dress, I wanted to leave it in Clorox for a while, for it looked a little dingy, since I have not been sending my things to the laundry, then I lay down and read a while and then Mrs. W. called me and we played Casino till about four, went out and got a watermelon, came home ate that and played Casino again till about six, I fed the cats and sat out in the yard till supper time and then we played again.
I think we are going to go to the show tonight to see Suzy, that is what we have planned, Jessie suggested going yesterday, but I told her I would rather not go on Sunday, so we are going tonight. Tomorrow night is the big car drawing for the car, I hope I get to go and how I hope I win the car, though I am not going to be disappointed if I don't for I don't expect to win it. I know Bill is going, but I hope Mrs. W. and Jessie go too, for I don't want to go with just Bill. I am going to phone Louise today, if I can get her at her mother's and see if she and Sam are going, if not Ernest may go with Bill and and I will go with them, if I can't get any other way.
R. T. hasn't gotten the Victrola yet, Eva said he has to wait till he can get his father's wagon to move it. I wish he would hurry and get it, now that it is sold I want it out of my way.
The cats are all thriving beautifully. Snowball's babies are growing a lot though their eyes are not open yet. I can hardly fill her up, she seems hungry all the time, goes to the refrigerator and cries and I feed her. She is so cute with her babies. Rose said that Saturday she jumped out of the box and turned it over on its side and spilled the babies out, she said she picked one up in her mouth and started in the dining room, or in that direction, and she said, "No, bring your baby back, I will fix the box," and she said Snowball turned round and went back to the box with it, (Rose in the meantime had turned the box back up), she said it looked just like she knew what Rose said.
I am expecting a letter from you when I go to the P.O. this morning. I never go before ten, to be sure the Sunshine has come in, but since I didn't go yesterday, I feel sure there will be something. Write me right away if you have decided to stay longer than this week, you know I will not be mad , if you want to stay, and that I really want you to stay and have a good time as long as you like. You know I never object to your having a good time, or going places any time, and that I never get mad at you at any time, I don't say I never get provoked, but even when I do, it does not last long, now be honest, do I ever get mad at you? If you could only know the half of how I love you, I expect you, as well as others, might be surprised, and some day I expect you will know. If ever I have done anything little or mean or selfish where you are concerned, I am sorry, and want you to know it has not been intentional. Oh, how I love you, and would spare you any ache or pain, or heartache, if only I could.
I hope the cool weather stays up there the rest of your visit, for I know it will be so much more pleasant.
I can hardly wait to see your picture, I know it will be sweet and pretty, for it couldn't be otherwise. I wish I had it right here on my desk. Be sure and write me right away if you have decided just when you will be home, I am not trying to hurry you, Rose wants to know so she will have the house shining for you and no use doing it twice, the things she is going to do, she was hoping to start it today, and I told her to wait till I heard from you again, she keeps it nice now, but she said she wants it shining when you get here. If Tony and his mother will be there next Sunday, why don't you stay on at least that next week, and see them. Tony will be disappointed at not seeing you, and you will enjoy going to the zoo with him, and I won't be a bit mad.
I am not going to write any more now till after I have been to the P.O. and see if there is a letter, there night be something in it you want answered.
Later
I went to the P.O. and got your letter, and one from Jeanne, and your books, I have not opened the books yet, but notice on the outside there is a gift book.
Well, I guess you must have two letters from me today, for you should, no, I don't believe there was to be a letter for you Friday, though I thought there was to be one Thursday, may be not, I was pretty busy last week. You will have my letter telling you to stay longer than this Saturday, for I really don't mind in the least, and I want you to get your visit out joyfully and happily. Let me know as soon as you get this letter, you should get it tomorrow afternoon, I will mail it as soon as I finish it, and then if you drop me a card right away I should get it at least Thursday. By all means stay over Sunday and if you stay that long, then it will be O.K. to stay till the next Saturday when Willis will be off so can get to the train easier, and I mean it when I say stay longer.
I know your pictures are sweet, if you had the miniature it seems like $1.50 is a lot for the frames, but may be not. You are not having Jessie's framed? I will get a frame here or in Dallas before Xmas for hers then, for she was so nice to give us our one of Rob. I think I am going to bring Rob's down and have it reframed, or it is going to ruin, and I love it so.
There was not much in your letter to answer and as I have already written about all I know before getting your letter, will have to stop. Lots and lots of hugs and kisses for the sweetest little girl in the world.
Your own
Mother
8 comments:
Linda, Glad you and LD are enjoying your ranch vacation. Too funny about the dogs. LD lunch made me smile...thinking about how big it must have been. He did not waste it.That is good. I am enjoying the letters very much. Blessings, love, Susie
So good that ya'll love the ranch so much. Glad things are going good. Sorry LD still has pain with the knee...hope that eases up soon.
xo
So nice to be able to go to the ranch and enjoy the quiet life. Think I would be there a lot.
I want to go the ranch with you.......so peaceful....but I'd need one tree. I am not used to the HOT sun. OK, I'll stay here. YOU have a good time and enjoy yourselves! That letter is sooo sweet.
it "sounds" like good napping weather, i do love those wide open spaces. your voice matches your face, it was just what i was expecting!!!
i am confused about the letters, i will back up and figure that out!!!
hugs for ld, pain is such a pain!!!
"If you could only know the half of how I love you, I expect you, as well as others, might be surprised, and some day I expect you will know. If ever I have done anything little or mean or selfish where you are concerned, I am sorry, and want you to know it has not been intentional. Oh, how I love you, and would spare you any ache or pain, or heartache, if only I could." Sniff...most mothers' hearts are right there in those lines.
Thank you again for transcribing the letters...what a chore and a commitment.
Hope that you have some more days left at the ranch to just allow the world to roll off your shoulders and relax.
It sounds like a perfect day! Your ranch is so peaceful and relaxing (and beautiful!) :)
Susan
I am thrilled for you both that you got to get away!! Rick and I are ready to head out in our RV but no solid plans yet.
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