[Some paragraph marks added for ease of reading]Templeton, Nov. 1, 1906.
Dear Lucy,
This is the best paper I could find without getting up and opening drawers, so I decided to use this. I hardly think you will get a long letter tonight, for I have done quite a washing today and ironed a little, so feel quite tired. Persis came down Sunday night to tell me that she could not wash for me this week, and as she did not wash last week, I felt obliged to do some, and finally did rather more than I intended. I think that Persis comes up and washes for Mrs. Blodgett, but am not sure. I tried to get Mrs. Hersey, but she had such a cold that she could not come. I don't believe, if I am well, that I shall have much more washing for Persis for a while. I don't think she treats me just right to do this way. It was a very inconvenient time to leave.
We went over to Hubbardston four days last week, and we went Monday of this week and intend to go tomorrow if it is not too cold, so you see we ought not to have the washing put on us. Our work lasts over there and I am getting almost discouraged, but I think I shall nearly finish tomorrow. We have divided many of the things between the Woodwards, Walkers and myself, and that takes a long time: and I have quite a time finding out what some of them want. We went to see Elsie twice and then did not find out what they would take and I finally wrote to Zoe and got an answer. Uncle Isaac wants Albert Waite to have the bureau, so you wont have it for your name. I shall be very thankful when everything is disposed of. Alice is expected home this week so she will probably be in there.
Carrie and Mary have gone to a parish meeting, the ministers are to be talked over tonight, but not voted on. Some of them want that Mr. Griffith, who has preached out west and thinks we want the same style - last Sun. he said something about "the gift gift [sic] of gab." Shouldn't we be proud of him after the new was worn off? There was a lecture at the chapel this afternoon, on Arts and Crafts. Carrie and Mary went and enjoyed it very much. Mary stayed and had Supper there - she and Carrie went to the Union Tuesday night. "Guy" was not there, but the other two surveyors were. 'Guy' spent Sat. afternoon and evening with Linnie. I think poor Mary Priest will have to find some one else.
Esther spent yesterday with us. I did not invite Minnie and the boys, for I did not feel as if I could this time. Esther does not seem at all strong - she had been trying to make a waist for Minnie out of pieces, and has worked on it for a week, and it was not nearly done - she said it had spoiled her visit - she seemed all tired out and very nervous. Gardner teachers have a day off tomorrow, so Mary will be at home. Uncle Isaac is coming down with a cold, so I shall feel anxious about him - he was so chilled today after going to the P.O. that I was frightened, but got over that. I am afraid I am coming down with a cold too. I am sorry you have had such a cold and hope you are better now. Carrie and I have decided to give you and Mary shot-guns for Christmas presents. Mr. Stinson had a bad sick turn, but is better. Miss Blodgett has got home and Mary is to take a lesson tomorrow. I must stop now.
Much love,
Mama.