Dear Mamma:-This snowstorm was certainly a surprise. They took up the winter board walks at the Medical School the last of the week and had rolled the walks finely. I guess they'll have it to do over again. But of course the snow will not last long, in fact it is nearly gone in places now. I went over to see Uncle Cleveland this afternoon. He is rather more lively, says his feet are better. He went out to walk one day recently. His health is certainly remarkable. Carrie is rather hoarse, but otherwise she and Flora are well. They all sent love to you. Uncle Cleveland wanted to know whether you are 78 or 79!
Mr. Nixon wrote me a note which I will inclose, so you can rest in peace about the browntails. I am glad Mrs. Underhill's place is being cleared out. That is the best way to get rid of the moths there. I had Miss Smith find out the dates when the fire insurance policies are due, so I can look out for those. One is May 1. I can go in and pay that when I come up, or send a check. Mr. Clough sent a tax blank for you to fill out, or for me to fill out for you. He will probably take it up for you to swear to after a while. The water tax has been paid. One tenant has paid to Mar. 15, one to Mar. 1 and Mr. Nixon to Feb. 1, but he is all right. I had the check this last week, too early to expect the April 1 payments. I haven't gotten the bill for the moths.
I shall be up Sat. to see about my dress and my hat. I've gotten some white flowers for my hat (with the privilege of taking them back) which seem to me better than those Mrs. Reed had. I am going to write her tonight about it. I don't think those were right - they looked hot somehow. I am to have my new suit this week. I may wear it up, if it gets here in time, and if the weather is good. Don't you think I had better stay at Grace's this time so as to give Jessee a few days to take a long breath in? Seems to me I had. I shall have to go to Grace's for a fitting anyway and if I stay there over night I can have it done in the evening.
Tuesday I am invited to a lecture at a Beacon St. house by the head of the Home Economics Dept. of Columbia, and to a dinner afterward at the College Club to meet the lecturer. She is a friend of Miss Blood's who gets her here, and who also invites me to meet her. I wish I had my new hat. As it is I'll probably have to wear the one I've trimmed over myself. I've turned it backside before, taken a tuck in the rim so that it turns down, and put on the stuff I got in Nashua. The little red roses would go well with my dark red dress, only my coat is so heavy for this time of year. It is difficult to have the right things to wear! But that dark red dress has been the most serviceable thing I ever had. I saw a moth miller in my room today, the first one I've seen here.
Now I must write a recommendation! They pursue me even here.
I hope there'll be some nice days for you to sit out this week.
With much love,
Abby.Let me know if you here [sic] when Louise is coming to Boston.