Grandma - Oct. 11, 1941

Dear Ted,

Please don't laugh at my cute stationary, but this letter must be really short this time. I only have a few minutes before the “gang” will start arriving.
The Mayfields arrived about 8:00 pm last nite. It is so good to see them again. They were genuinely delighted at the idea of a visit from us. However there is a catch that I thought about and probably you did too. LH says if we get to their place in time for their service he wants you to preach for him – please. Now, maybe you'd rather wait until after your own service or maybe you can talk him out of it. On second thought, you'll probably be delighted to preach for him, won't you? All kidding aside, you do as you wish – if our plans work out at all. They really will be more than happy to have us though.
Here's where the “rub” comes in. I don't see how I can possibly arrange to come up before the 1st of November. Will that be okay? If so, I'll start right now to make the arrangements. That is, I'll simply ask for that weekend off so I'll be sure to get it. I've already mentioned it to Gladys and any time will be okay with her. Let me know what you think.
If you can't read this, it's because I'm writing on a magazine on my knees on the davenport. Can't you just see me? I have the table all ready to serve on. I bought a cute Halloween table cover and put it on early so everything would be ready and I wouldn't have to do so much after while. Smart girl, eh?
So I was in 2 prayer meetings Wednesday. I'm sure I enjoyed yours as much as ours. I'll be delighted to attend yours any time you wish. I think you're sweet to invite me.
Looks like the end of the page (almost) – so – I'll try to write lots more tomorrow. I'll no doubt have more to write about too. Bye now.

Love from,
“Dodo”

Grandpa - Oct. 11, 1941

Dear Dolores:

In spite of the late hour (12:00 am) I am keeping my promise. Are you surprised? How could I fail you when I get such a “swell” letter every – or at least an average of one each day. There was none that came to me today, but I got it. Guess how! I was out calling this PM and since I wasn't so far from Allegan, I came back that way and went to the post-office and asked for my mail. You see I want your letters bad enough to go after them. I hope I get one tomorrow without going after it. If I don't!!! ---! I would even be willing to go after them. They are worth all that and even more.
For fear I should forget to mention it I want to assure you that I will settle with Mary Evelyn for all of her misdeeds the next time I come to Dayton and if she continues to conduct herself in such a way, I might even make a special trip just for her benefit. You may inform her that all of her “misdemeanors” are being recorded against her. We'll take her out in the “sticks” five miles from nowhere and drop her off. How will that be? But seriously, I have lots of fun with her. She sure knows how to “take it” and also how to give it.
This has been quite a busy place here this evening. Thirty-six people – mostly neighbors – gathered here for the reception for their new preacher. You should see the gifts they brought. Everything from a box of tooth-picks to a sack of flour. Most of them consisted of canned goods and supplies for the kitchen. I couldn't begin to tell everything that I got. My kitchen looked like a grocery store when the people left. I am sure I have enough supplies on hand to last all of winter and part of the summer. Of course I had to make a speech and thank all the folks for their gifts. That was the hardest part. I suppose you too have had quite an occasion this evening at your home. Did the girls tease you? Be sure and tell me all about it.
Really, Dolores, I was delighted to hear that you were at prayer meeting last week. I am sure you will find the services very profitable in your Christian experience. Keep on attending every week won't you? Please don't think I am being dogmatic. I don't mean to be, but I am very anxious that people shall avail themselves of every possible means of grace and the prayer meeting is certainly one.
Do you remember in one of my letters I mentioned I would be speaking to a young people's group at a convention next Tuesday night? The place of this meeting has been changed from Holland to Muskegon, Mich. That is about 70 miles north of here. I would much rather go south than north. Could you guess why? Look in the mirror and you will see why. But really, I am glad for an opportunity to speak to such a group. I only hope I will be able to accomplish something. You will be praying for me I am sure.
I'm afraid my letters have been slightly shorter than yours, but you'll forgive me won't you? There is more I could write, but it is now going on 1:00 and six-o'clock will be only five hours later. I'm planning to work out in the forenoon, but the PM I hope?? to spend resting and preparing for Sunday. Thanks again for your fine letters that you have been so faithful in writing.

Love,
Ted

Grandma - Oct. 10, 1941

Dear Ted,

I think I'll have to make this one shorter because I'm in sort of a hurry. You see it's this way. L.H. & Gladys (& Dolores Jean) are expected this evening and we are to go over to Manneys since they will probably go on home tomorrow before we have much time to see them. I want to write this letter before we go because it may be late when we get home – if they are delayed as much arriving as a certain other young man I know. (I know I'm mean but don't glare at my picture so.) Anyway, if I write now, I'll be sure to get it done and that's all we're interested in, isn't it?
I loved your nice long letter. I was afraid you would get 2 Tuesday instead of the way I wanted them to get there.
Say, which other room are you fixing up? Another living room? Tell me more about it some time.
I'd love to come up some weekend and honestly I'll do it the first chance I get. I'll talk to the Mayfields tonight and sort of make plans with them and see what they have to say. I know we would be welcome at their house any time though. It would be loads of fun if we could work it out. If I have Saturday and Sunday off, I'll ask for Monday so I'll be sure to get it.
The folks have gone on and are coming back after me. We couldn't all have gone over together anyway. I guess I'd better explain that too. Adyllis, Mrs. Manney and Gladys's aunt went together and got a high chair for Dolores Jean. It was delivered to our house today and they are taking it to Manney's now. So you see it is taking up my place in the car. It is a lovely chair. The Mayfield's don't know anything about it and are they going to be surprised!
I was going to wash my hair tonight but I guess that's out. It's awfully dirty but I don’t care as long as nobody else minds. I'll gladly forfeit a shampoo for the chance to see my friends. I hope they don't fail us.
I finally got around to getting the pictures you and I took developed. Only 12 of the 16 were good. That is, they were pretty good. It was the camera – not the way or the person who took them. If I don't bring them in person soon, I'll send them to you to see. Which would you rather I do?
Someone will probably be after me shortly so I'd better start to stop. There's one thing about writing every day – if you forget something you wanted to say, you're not so liable to forget is altogether by the next time you write. I've already written more than I expected to.
I gave Mary Evelyn the kiss you told me to but she has done nothing whatsoever about the 2 you wanted her to give me. On second thought I believe I'll wait and let you do it yourself. That would be so much better – honestly.
Until then,
Love,
Dolores

Grandpa - Oct. 10, 1941

Dear Dolores:

Do you remember what we were doing just one week ago tonight? I am sure you do. That's right, driving from Cleveland to Dayton and the weather here tonight is just about like it was then. It has rained here almost every day this week.
It happened just like I thought it would – I mean in regard to your letters. Two came today again, but I fully enjoyed them – every bit. I would still like it better if one would come each day, but I'm still glad to hear from you regardless. Keep it up. Of course I wouldn't be so harsh as to expect to you to stay in every night, but even so I hope you will find time to write even if it is only a few lines.
Here it is Thursday night – please pardon the change of ink – and I find myself with “heaps” of work to do before Sunday. I wonder if I will ever have time to do the things I want to do? Am I an exception or does everyone have more work to do than they have time to get done? How is it with you? I thought I would have lots of time when I got to be a preacher but I am finding much the contrary. There are about four men who want me to help husk corn, harvest potatoes, etc., I have lots of calling I should do, two sermons to prepare before Sunday, Sunday School lesson to study, I also have to prepare for the young people's convention next week in Holland, and more than that – next week the hunting season opens. Woe is me! When will I ever get caught up? And tomorrow evening the people are having a reception for me here in the parsonage. I wish you were going to be here to help entertain them, but no doubt you will be busy. Here's hoping you have a swell time. With this schedule do you wonder what I do with my time? You shouldn't.
Well, Dolores, in answer to your questions I am afraid I will have to confess that I'm not entirely caught up on my sleep from last week. I have been up early every morning, worked every day, and it hasn't been early when I get to bed. I really believe I could enjoy staying in bed until 8:00 for a couple of mornings. “Sleep in” - you know! Get it? I'm sure you do.
Listen, Hon, it wasn't necessary for you to make the apology you did in your letter. I know you weren't reflecting upon my family in the attitude you took in the discussions we have had. Such a thing never occurred to me. I have never felt that you were foolish in the attitude you have taken. I really admire you for taking such a stand. You will be rewarded for your ideals and convictions, I am sure. Perhaps you are surprised to hear me talk this way, but I really mean it. I too wish we might discuss it together. It would be much better than writing wouldn't it? Please remember to pray about this matter. I am doing that and I'm sure you are.
I appreciate the love the girls wanted to send me. It is a problem to know just how I should repay them. Perhaps that can be settled the next time I come to Dayton. More than theirs I appreciated your affections. I'm not sending my love to any of the girls – not even Mary Evelyn. I want you to have it all. O.K.??? I hope so.
Now, if I can keep my eyes open, I think I will do a little studying for Sunday. Good night!!!

Yours with love,
Ted

Grandma - Oct. 9, 1941

And here is Grandma's letter of the same day:

Wednesday evening,

Dear Ted,

I thought you might get a letter Monday. I mailed one early Sunday afternoon from the letter drop in front of the post office where mail is collected more often than any place else and hoped it would reach you Monday but evidently not. Did you get 2 on Tuesday? I sort of hope not. I hope they spread out evenly. I think I have it regulated so they will. If I mail them about the same time every day, they ought to reach you every day regularly. See what I mean? I'm glad you didn't wait until you received my first letter before you wrote to me. I was afraid you might from what you said. You said you would keep on like you had - answering mine the day you got them and according to that you wouldn't have written until Tuesday. But honestly Ted, it's swell to come home after a rather trying day and relax and enjoy a letter from you. Please keep it up. I mean it. I promise you I'll do my part too.

Tonight mother, Mary Evelyn and I went to prayer meeting and really enjoyed it so much. I knew we would. I told you we were going to start and I mean it's only the start. We're going to keep it up. The Bible study was on the 5th chapter of Romans and we had a blessed time. There were 29 of us including the preacher and 4 or 5 children. That is pretty good but not good enough in comparison to our membership I don't believe. We have some sickness of course but probably most of them are lax like us. It really is a shame when you think about it.

We had prayer meeting in the basement tonight due to fall housecleaning in the auditorium. Besides cleaning the church we are having the floor sanded and revarnished and are getting new carpet for the aisles and front of the church. It's going to look beautiful. We're getting ready for our revival the first of November. I believe I told you we are going to have Rev. Meredith as evangelist, didn't I? For song leaders we are having Mr. and Mrs. Ira Wood from Michigan. They have been at our camp meeting several times and we certainly think a lot of them. They're grand. Have you ever heard them? It would be nice to have you here during our revival. I know you'd enjoy it, but that is pretty close to Thanksgiving and all so I know how it is for you.

You didn't really expect me to worry about the talk or whatever it is you are giving at the Young People's Convention, did you? Anyway I'm not. I think you're entirely capable and do not need my worry. Besides, I might lose 5 pounds and then what would you do? All kidding aside, I'm really glad you have the opportunity and I know you'll do just fine. My prayers will do more good than worry anyway.

Mary Evelyn wasn't really offended at your teasing. I think I reassured you of that in a former letter. In fact, she's just waiting for your return so she can get even with you and take more from you. I think she's going to start eating spinach and Wheaties, etc. to build up her muscles and resistance so watch out for her next time.

I really surprise myself as much as anybody by being able to fill up so much space every night but is' been pretty easy so far. I may run down eventually. We'll see.

I won't say good-night because it's probably day time when you read it but I'll just close.

Love,

Dolores

You owe Mary E. a very good beating up. She was reading this letter over my shoulder and that makes me very unhappy. It's very annoying really. Will you take care of her for me the next time you're down? It would be a big help to me because I can't do it.

Grandpa - Oct. 9, 1941

I wanted to give you a chance to see one of the actual letters. If you click on each picture, you should get an image that is large enough to read.

"Same place"

10:20 Wednesday Night

Dear Dolores:

Hello again! How are you this evening? Fine I hope. With the beautiful moon suspended from the eastern sky I see no reason why you shouldn't be in the best of condition. It affects me the same way it did you Sunday night I believe. I too, noticed it Sunday evening. It seems a shame to let all of that perfectly good moon go to waste, but what can we do about it with 250 miles separating us?

Do I sound despondent, Hun? I really am not, but I will admit I was terribly "let down" when I came home from work tonight. Why?? I reached in the mail box for my mail and no letter from Dayton! Isn't that reason enough. But I'm not holding you responsible, Dolores. I feel sure you did your part. It must be the inconsistency of Uncle Sam's postal system. I know I'll have to write the government now. Perhaps I will get two tomorrow. That will be fine, but I really prefer one every day rather than some days none and other days two.

I am wondering how you enjoyed prayer meeting this evening, or didn't you know that you were in a prayer meeting? You were anyhow. It was rather cool here so instead of starting a fire in the church I asked the folks to come to the parsonage, which they did. You were right here on the desk (your picture, of course) all through the meeting and at the close of the service you went around the room and met all the folks. Were you embarrassed? You didn't need to be. It really wasn't my idea, but I was proud to "show off" the picture just the same. A number of favorable comments were offered.

It is quite apparent to me that the church people are planning some kind of a party for me this coming Friday night. I'm not sure just what it is, but they asked if I would be home and also requested that I have the house ready for company. It is going to be interesting to see what happens. I'll be sure to let you know.

Dolores, would you forgive me for being a bit brief tonight? I have worked all day and will be working tomorrow, and it is getting late - especially for one who will be arising at 5:30 AM. Please don't glare at me,

Love -

Ted

Grandma - Oct. 8, 1941

Dear Ted,

Thanks so much for the picture. It's swell. You even remembered to send it without my reminder so just disregard said reminder which you will find in a recent letter. (I've written so many lately, I forget which one it was in.) Mary Evelyn of course had something to say about it. She realizes of course that we have quite a few mice, etc., but really, do we need so many pictures? She even suggested that she take it to work since they need a rat chaser down there – etc., etc. You can imagine how she rattled on and on.
When I handed her the folder for the film which you sent her she said – quote - “What! No film?” - or words to that effect. No kidding though, thanks a lot. She really appreciates it in spite of her hard exterior. I don't believe she would be happy unless she could tease and joke with people. (She's a little like me, isn't she?)
I was very glad to hear that you survived Sunday so well despite your loss of sleep. Really now, it's not so bad, is it? After you stay up late for several nights you sort of get hardened to it. How do I know? Well ----. I'm going to reform though. I'll write to you and then go to bed early every nite – (with a few exceptions). Will that suit you or shall I go out and have a good time? Now don't be too harsh. Couldn't I please go to a few football games and such?
Goodness! Did I get a nice “workout” on my first day back at work! Everything seemed strange for about 10 or 15 minutes only. At first I felt as if I'd been away for weeks but by noon I felt as if I hadn't been gone even a day. Funny, isn't it? We were plenty busy, especially this morning.
Say, Ted, maybe you thought I acted like I didn't want to tell anyone about our trip but that I wanted to keep it a secret as if I had some ulterior motive or something. I'm referring especially to the girl to whom Adyllis talked. Remember? But really, that wasn't my idea at all. Our “club” is always trying to get something on me and I just wanted to put something over on them. See? The reason I said I would get it from them Friday nite is because I did keep it from them this long. I'll have fun though. I wish you could be here (but not only for that). I'll let you know how it comes out.
We got quite a kick out of the mistake you made on your way home. It probably wasn't funny to you but it sounds funny to us. Mother says if she had been along you certainly wouldn't have done it. Say, did you go through any red lights without me to watch you? The next time I won't let you go clear through. I just wanted to see how far you'd go – and I found out. The next time we might land in jail. Wouldn't that be awful? Or would it?
I didn't know I could fill up this much space when I started out but here I am on the 4th page. You may not always be so fortunate (?) though. I did try to write larger and sprawl it more. Is it more readable or worse?
Mary Evelyn, Adyllis, Marion (she's here tonight) all send you their love. Imagine that! Then they said maybe you have enough with mine. What do you think? Anyway, I send mine too, so if you don't have enough you're a glutton – or something. Don't look at me that way! I'll close on that one.
With love,
Dolores

Grandpa - Oct. 8, 1941

Dear Dolores:

What a surprise I had this morning when my mail came! And it was a very pleasant one too. I got not only one letter, but two. You are doing right well by me, Hon. Of course the two letters were the ones you wrote Saturday and Sunday nights respectively. No foolin' – I greatly appreciate your efforts. Please keep it up. Your letters mean so much to me. They seem different since we were together last week.
As you would know this has been another busy day for me, although it turned out a bit differently than I had planned. It was raining here this morning so of course that spoiled the plans for husking corn as had previously been made. The church people decided I needed new paper for another room here in the parsonage so that became the order of the day. Not only have I got new paper on that room, but the paint has also been furnished to paint the same room. That means I have more painting to do – when I get time??? I wonder when that will be? If it isn't one thing, it is a dozen! But I'm glad to have all of those improvements. Please don't think I am finding fault. Well, we finished the papering just before dinner so there was not time to clean up the house and put things back in order since I had to leave immediately for the convention. I expected to stay for the evening, but I couldn't bear the thought of coming back late this evening into a dirty house so after the afternoon service, I decided to come home. The speaker this pm was such a “flop” that I almost wished I hadn't gone at all. I don't mean to be critical, but it seemed like he just talked and said nothing. You have heard preachers that way haven't you? In spite of all that I'm back here, have the house all cleaned up – believe it or not – including scrubbing floors in the two rooms. I had supper just a few minutes ago and here I am now writing to the one whom I believe to be the “swellest” girl I have ever known – even before I took time to read the daily paper. There, you have quite a detailed account of my time for today.
Dolores, of course I don't mind you talking with your mother about the things you and I discussed. After all, who has a better right to know the secrets of a girl's heart than her mother? I am more than glad your mother is interested. With no intention of flattering I should like to say that I think you have a very fine mother. Any boy or girl has a right to be proud of such a mother. Naturally, she is very much interested in the decisions and choices you make. I firmly believe a lot of girls make poor choices for no other reason than that they do not have proper motherly advice. It is worth a lot and I would exhort you to heed every detail of your mother's advice. And I would say that even if I thought she was not pleased with the company you are keeping. I appreciate the fact, Dolores, that you want to be very careful about this very important step in your life. It is altogether proper that you should be. Long before I met you I also determined that any such choices in my own experience would not be considered lightly. I still contend that one should seek divine guidance in such matters and that is exactly what I am endeavoring to do. You will understand me I am sure. Of course it is easy for me to see how you would be influenced by the Manny affair and even become prejudiced against men and feel that they are not to be trusted. Perhaps they shouldn't be. I am sure some shouldn't. But I feel that such experiences as the Manny's are profitable to us in giving us warning against unwise choices. Even so it is a tragedy that such things have to happen. My sympathies are extended to the family.
Needless to say I have had to answer a lot of questions since I have been back here. A number of the church people have asked when you are coming up here. That question I haven't been able to answer, but I wish I might tell them that it will be in the near future. If you can arrange to get Saturday and Monday off sometime, I would be too glad for you to come up for over Sunday. I could meet you anywhere that it would be convenient for you. Here is just a suggestion as to what we might do. If??? the people would let me off from the evening service, we could go down to the Mayfield's Sunday pm and from there I would take you to Dayton Monday. Even if we went after the evening service, that wouldn't be too bad. What would you think of such an idea? Don't forget to let me know.
This is a little longer letter than I usually write, Dolores, but it is to answer for the two I received this morning. O.K.??
Good night, now!
With Love
Ted

P.S. Please give my regards to your folks and give Mary E. a good big kiss right on the cheek – all for me. Do you mind? Then have her kiss you twice for me. Of course I would prefer to do it myself.

Grandma - Oct. 7, 1941

Dear Ted,

Hello again! Have you recuperated yet from your loss of sleep? I think I have.
I'm so tired and stiff tonight. Know why? You'll never guess, so I'll tell you. Mother took advantage of my day off. While she was busy washing in the basement, I made starch for her. It's the first time I ever did it. Does that seem funny to you? Then this afternoon while she was ironing she asked me if I'd like to make noodles or would I rather iron. I decided to try my luck at noodles. It was the first time for that too. (Boy, am I getting domestic?) Homemade noodles with chicken are sure good though, aren't they? Well, I went to work with eggs, salt, milk and flour and produced some very presentable noodles (with a little help from mother, I must confess). At least everyone ate them and as yet haven't complained. I wouldn't want you to think that this is what made me so tired although it helped a little. Besides doing some washing and a little housecleaning and going to the grocery, I ironed and that's what got me. I know I'm a sissy, but I'm not used to being on my feet so much. You know I sit at my work. Or did you? Anyway, I guess I'm a “lily” and a “softie”, etc. You are probably laughing at me and I don't blame you much. Mary Evelyn laughed but she had nothing to laugh about. She couldn't have done any better or felt any better for doing it. Please don't think I'm complaining about all this but I thought you might get a “kick” out of it by comparing it to a really hard day's work of yours.
Say, Ted, mother gave me something else to think about today. You remember what you and I talked about and what she and I discussed, don't you? Of course you do. Well, she suggested that by my reaction and outlook so to speak, that you might think I was also referring to your folks. Honestly, Ted, such thoughts never crossed my mind. I meant no reflection whatsoever. Please believe me and again accept my apologies if I have hurt you that way unknowingly. As I've said in a former letter, I believe I've been foolish in my attitude to some extent and I'm trying to think this thing through and decide with a clearer mind. I mean I'm trying to push the cobwebs out of my head. I hope you understand what I'm trying to say. I wish you were here so I could talk to you. That would be so much better, wouldn't it?
Mary Evelyn has gone to a football game with my cousin so there is comparative peace and quiet around here. The game was postponed from Friday and Saturday night because of rain and if it doesn't rain before they're through tonight, I'll be surprised. It started raining today before the clothes all got dry and has been nasty ever since. Have you had such mean weather?
My vacation is over practically and I'm sort of sorry. I've enjoyed it so much. Know why? If you don't, I'm not going to tell you this time.
I'll be looking for a letter tomorrow and don't forget you said you'd answer all of mine. I'll try to keep you busy for a while.
Oh, by the way – have you sent that little “thingamajig” back to Houghton yet? You know what I mean. Don't try to act innocent now. Be sure and let me know how it comes out.
Don't forget that picture if you haven't sent it. Thanks.

Love,
Dolores

Grandpa - Oct. 7, 1941

Dear Dolores:
It really hasn't been so long since I last saw you but to me it seems like ages. You will remember that I told you, as well as a number of others, that I haven't minded living by myself so much. That was a true statement but I am finding it hard to get settled down to a “bachelor's” life again. I think yesterday and today I minded being alone more than any other time, and I haven't been entirely alone but a very little of the time. Do you know why I feel this ? I'll tell you. It is just because I was in such GOOD company all of last week and had such a grand time that -well, it is just hard to get adjusted again. Please don't think I am being inconsistent, but in another sense I am not so much alone after all. Every time I come into the house and see your picture here on my desk it gives me lots of comfort. Pardon my ego again, please, but I like to think that the broad smile is all for me. In all seriousness, I think it is a grand picture and I appreciate the fact that you were willing to get it for me.
Many times today I have been wondering whether or not you were working or still resting from your vacation. I hope you have had a chance to recover from the activities of last week. For me the day has been filled with activity. This forenoon I got my heater set up so now I am ready for cold weather. It works very well and I am sure I am going to like it. In fact it is in operation right now and it feels good. Besides that I made a trip to Allegan to get some things that were necessary for the house and also did a few odd jobs that really needed to be done. There are several others that should be done – such as, house-cleaning! O, yes, I shouldn't forget this. I mailed the rotar-button from a certain automobile in Houghton to the owner. It was all nicely packed in a large box and sent C. O. D. for sixty-eight cents. I am anxious to know how it will come out. This afternoon I have been working out and expect to do the same thing tomorrow forenoon. In the afternoon I will be attending the Holiness Meeting near here that you heard me mention.
Dolores, would you like something to worry about? Of course I'm not being serious now. It is nothing for you to worry about, although I don't intend to worry about it. I got a letter this morning asking if I would speak at a Young People's Holiness Convention in Holland, MI the evening of Oct. 14. I have already answered that I would plan accordingly. Was that the right thing to do? I am told that there were 200 young people present at the last meeting so it will be a real opportunity.
I have thought so many times today about how I teased Mary E. Was she by any chance offended? I hope not. Perhaps I did run on her a little too hard but I felt sure she could take it, and I still do. Tell her I think she is O. K. and if by any chance she was offended, let me know and I will write her a letter of apology.
I'm looking for a letter tomorrow. Will I get it? I feel sure you did your part. Until next time, GOOD-NIGHT!

Yours, Ted
Prov. 3:6
(over please)

I believe I forgot to give you Ivone's address. Here it is. Mrs. W.H. Holsted, 1924 Maiden Lane Rd., Rochester. She would be glad to hear from you I am sure.

Again – Goodnight!
Ted

Grandma - Oct. 6, 1941

Dear Ted,

I'll bet you're writing to me right while I'm writing to you. At least I hope so. It is now about 9:25 pm. Are you writing?
Did you notice the moon tonight by any chance? It's simply beautiful. Right near it you can see the planet Mars and that is rather unusual because usually no stars or planets are visible close to the moon. The moon has a rather inspirational effect upon me. Know what I mean? It's much more so than rainy days. They only succeed in making me pretty lazy - except on occasions. When someone I like real well is with me on rainy days it makes a great deal of difference.
Mary Evelyn is standing across from me trying to mix me up and argue with me. She asks me a questions and then disputes my answer. She's gone now so I can continue in peace for awhile.
I had quite a talk with mother last nite. She pryed me with questions, not just for curiousity's sake but in my interest. Have you guessed what we talked about? You and I of course. When she discovered how much effect the Manny affair had had upon me she became quite disturbed. She thought that in a way I was comparing you with him. Of course that was farthest from my mind. That would be doing you the deepest of an injustice and I offer you my sincerest apologies if it has seemed that way to you. She begged me not to let his actions poison my mind and said I shouldn't let anything like that spoil my life. She was really so upset about it. I was surprised. Of course she doesn't want me to be hasty about such an important phase of life but she really implored me to think it over without the discoloration of that one unfortunate affair which is indeed sad but which she doesn't want me to look to as a usual example. I'll confess, Ted, she opened my eyes. Perhaps I have been foolish. She and I were both glad that I revealed to her some of our talks. You don't mind, do you? I almost always confide in mother because I think she of all people has a right know. She has the interest of all us girls at heart and as I said before it wasn't mere curiosity. She said to tell you if there is anything else that you would like to have her lecture me about, just let her know.
Today has been intermittently cloudy and sunny with some wind but for the most part too warm and sultry. We took Adyllis's country girl friend home this afternoon and got there and back with no trouble – actually. They have a lovely farm, I think. Of course that is only the opinion of a “city gal”. However they have 135 acres, partly wooded. They milk 20 cows by an electric milker which I'm sorry to say we didn't get to see in action. They also have chickens, pigs, sheep and horses besides corn and stuff. I hope this isn't boring you but I thought you might like to hear about my visit to the farm. I really enjoyed it.
We had a very good service this morning. A foreign missionary home on furlough spoke. I always enjoy missionaries, don't you?
I'm getting sleepy and I'm running down and I'm very warm. Isn't that reason enough to say good-night? I'll be seeing (or rather writing) you tomorrow, so pleasant dreams for now.

Love,
Dolores