[Some paragraph marks added for ease of reading.]Templeton, Jan. 11, 1903.
Dear Lucy,
This will not be a very long letter, for there does not seem very much to write about. I have stayed at home quietly, and have not tried to do a great amount of work - the last two or three days have been so cold that I did not like to be far away from the fire. If you are cold some of these nights, spread some newspapers between your blankets & comforter; I have heard that it makes a lot of difference. I wonder if you havn't [sic] been eating cake and jelly today. How was the fudge? I thought it pretty good. Didn't you forget to measure your pillow? I hope you have the white waist finished so you can wear it - it would take but few minutes for that unless I overlooked something, and it would not be necessary to have the collar the first time.
We are having company to-day - Carrie flew around and went to Winchendon Friday and to Baldwinville Sat. morning, and then was going to Boston Sat. afternoon, thinking Fred would be there and she could see something of him. When the mail came in Sat. forenoon she got a card from him, mailed at Springfield, saying he was going from there to Worcester, then to Gardner and Templeton Sat. evening to spend Sunday. He came about 9-30 - got on to the B-ville car and had to walk up from E- T-n, which, of course, made him happy. He is a very good looking, bright, well appearing young man, and is likely to amount to a good deal if he keeps on as well as he has commenced. I think Carrie may feel well pleased that she has helped him to an education. He talks of coming to Boston but is not decided yet. The Swifts, for whom he works, have bought the packing houses in the east - one at Boston, one at Springfield, at Worcester and New Haven, and he has the chance to take the charge of the mechanical part of all four. He would make his headquarters at Boston and go around to these other places when necessary. If he comes, I shall invite him to call out to se you, sometime when he is in Springfield. I think you would like him well. He says he is going to ask them to pay him fifty ($50) dollars a week, but of course, he may not get it. He intends to go to Boston in the morning, starting at the same time Mary goes, and back to Phil. tomorrow night. Carrie talks some of going to Boston with him, but if it keeps on storming as it does now, I should not be surprised if they all stayed at home. It has commenced like a big storm. Carrie and Fred walked up to the church at noon so that he saw Margaret and Francis for a few minutes.
Charles Lord is still sick with the grip; Margaret takes care of the furnace and Bessie the horse. Bessie did not come to church Clara Aiken was spending the day there and they were going to have a sleigh ride, to exercise the horse. Mrs. Parkhurst thought the book you and Mary sent just the thing for Laura. Mary was going to write to you, but has decided not - says she has not one thing to write - she has a book she wants to read too, which makes some difference. She got 90 for her last Algebra exam, and Helen did not pass, again. Linnie went to the foot-ball reception and had a beautiful time. I saw by the paper that George Nitsche has gone to Cleveland to work for the same company that Ralph and Dwight work for.
I suppose you have got settled to work again. I hope you are feeling better and rested. I spoke with Mr. Braithwaite yesterday (paid him) and he said the people there were all well. I thought he seemed rather sober. I have heard nothing from E- T-n since you went, so conclude they are well as usual. Uncle Isaac has not been to H-n yet, but he works at that wood pile as if it must be done at once. You will be pleased to know that we have a new broom. Send the length of your pillow, and I will send the bag soon. I must close and go visit a little with Fred.
Much love from
Mama.