[Paragraph marks added for ease of reading]Templeton, Dec. 7, 1903. [it actually was Dec 6, according to the postmark on the envelope]
Dear Lucy,
I have been sitting here for some time with my paper in front of me, waiting for something of interest to write to you, and reading one of the library books while I waited, but nothing came so I will write what I can think of and not write what I can't think of, and in that way I expect to write a very interesting letter. There really seems to have been nothing last week except cooking, washing, dishes &c. and I don't think you will care for many pages devoted to that.
Carrie and Mary have been to church. Uncle Isaac got all ready and his head felt so badly that he gave it up and went on the lounge instead - his head has been troubling him for several days, and he looked badly today - he does not seem or look well lately. I wish he would consult a Dr. but he don't think it necessary. Friday he and Ben. took the apples to the cider-mill and got some very nice cider - it is the best we have had for a long time and I wash you was here to drink with us - but I think it will be good when you are at home though not as sweet as now. Ben sent word to Carrie to be careful and not get 'tight'. That amused us all very much.
Carrie says tell you that you were not the only one who slept and let the snow blow in and melt on the floor of the room - hers was wet half across the room and a carpet too. I had a little snow bank in mine but it was so much colder there that it did not melt. We had a good lot of snow and most people go with the sleighs. Mary had to wait an hour for the car that morning so was late at school.
Carrie says tell you that if you want a sweeping bonnet and do not get yours made that you can have one of hers - she has just made three. When is your fair? I have not decided on any Christmas presents - and I can't think of any thing. Can you think of anything for Uncle Isaac? I don't know what to get for Carrie unless I get a chair and I am afraid I should not get the kind she would like - you know she wants just what she wants in such things. Mrs. Batchelder and Miss Ardelia called Monday with a card from Bessie saying her mother was better - and we have heard nothing since till today. Carrie inquired of Francis's wife and they hear d the first of last week that she was improving. I should that by that, that unless something new comes up, she will get well.
Carrie had a letter from Hattie Newton and she wrote Alice was going home for Christmas. She writes that little Harriet is a 'ticket' to manage. Persis came Tues. and helped clean the sitting room - and Carrie has been pasting paper and cloth over the cracks so it is more comfortable there. Mr. & Mrs. Parker did not get home till THursday - they went off and forgot their pump, so found that frozen and burst when they got back - and Mrs. Parker said tha tthe last thing before they went she looked in her mother's room and in the room where her cousin slept, to see if there was any water left in the pitchers - the night they got home as they were going to bed Mr. P- said he was stepping in water, and Mrs. P- said, Gracious, did I forget my pitcher? She looked after the others and forgot her own and it had frozen and burst. I think they must have been thinking of their Thanksgiving dinner, when they were getting ready to go. I see by the paper that the weather clerk has been visiting his parents - perhaps that accounts for the snow-storm - he left the weather to take care of itself.
Have you got rested? Do not do any washing that you can get along with out - we shall have two weeks to do it. It is only about two weeks now before you will come. I must close for there is nothing to write and the clock is striking ten.
Much love.
Mama