Cripple Creek, Colo.
Dear Mary Rebecca,
Not long ago I had a long lovely letter which we all enjoyed very much - and today your card came. Your house looks so very inviting and attractive. I am so glad you are missing the dreadful heat that we have been hearing about, I imagine you enjoy the harboring as well as the cool fresh air, particularly after a trip to Phil. The ocean has so many good points but dearie do be careful that you don't furnish shark food. The water somehow has always held for me a certain fear along with the fascination. It is so relentless and merciless if it once gets you. Had I always known it I know I would feel differently but the mountains seem so safe and I have grown up in them and learned to love them as you do the water. Once morning this week a very dear friend - a lady about 65 - and I went up on the mountain to hunt mariposa lillies. I got 24 bulbs which we planted in the yard. She didn't count hers. But the main object was to get out and enjoy the fresh air, sunshine and view - we had a very peaceful restful - enjoyable walk. Much the same kind of walk as we have had - we didn't say much - just took it all in - and when we sat down to rest and eat an orange we found delightful shade and the rain [?] I have so often mentioned. The Sangre de Cristo Range about 60 miles away covered with snow - and a cool fresh breeze blowing full in our faces. There is no question about my preference for fresh air and mountain scenery, and I am so glad to be home. It seems like heaven compared to Glenolden. One can feel the vastness and beauty of it all. The Blessed Freedom to go at will. Somehow the land here seems to belong to "nature" rather than humans. It is ours to enjoy without a hint of another personality - and there need be no feeling of trespassing. It arouses in me a keen desire to get back into the mountains where nature has full sway. To be almost Primitive with simple wants - and where I can forget all I know and desire and just be "me". We may go camping a few days next week. Daddy came in last night from a two days fishing trip - they were in a wild & rocky country about 40 miles from here. They went part way in Uncle Jim's machine, and, took a pack horse and walked the rest of the way. Daddy said he never saw a rougher trail and he was about all in. He was mighty glad to have a bath and a good bed to crawl into.
Lura [?] arrived for a visit a few days after I did so we are all a happy Bently [?] family again. Mother took sick a few days after our arrivals. Too much excitement I guess. She had terrific hemorhages [sic] from the nose - and for about two weeks we had our hands full, with everything. She is much better now and insisted upon going to a party with Lura and I this afternoon. I said the only way to do was not to invite her but mother is very much liked - and she loves to go so I don't see any immediate way out. Daddy & I do not think she is strong enough for it. You see if there is one party a week there are usually 2, 3 or 4 and lots of company coming in besides and it makes me wish that people weren't so active socially. It makes me tired and cross and irritable so I know it is a strain on mother though she won't admit it!
It seemed to me so very nice that you should have the Elgins next door. They are lovely people and I know you
wouldwill enjoy them. Mrs E. is just as clever in her quiet way as she can be. I have been entertained in their home several times and with genuine southern hospitality. They are really worth knowing and I feel that I could wish you no greater pleasure than a friendship with them. I worked with Dr. Elgin so long and liked him so very much. He is reticent though and a little hard to get to know. But a lot of fun.I did enjoy your New York trip. It was most as good in your letter as it would have been in the setting. Miss Jones must have been a splendid companion and guide - but how did you ever stand it? It made my feet ache to hear you tell it. However I am glad you saw it - and liked it. To me it is the most wonderful of all the American cities I have any knowledge of - and it is next best to Colorado!
Please give my love to the Elgins if you happen to see them. and with plenty to yourself & family I am
Affectionately your friend
Jean