A Letter Written on Jan 26, 1940

[Some paragraph breaks added for ease of reading.]

Rev. Dr. William M. Nesbit
15 Frederick Street
Naugatuck, Connecticut

Dear little Girl:-

Just rec'd your postal. I certainly am thinking of you and so is Papa. So glad to get letters or cards. I think you have been very faithful in letting us hear and I do appreciate it.

It is bitter cold here to-day with a high thermometer - 22° and it feels about ten°.

My pin is not at its best. Brownie knocked it off the table. You know that habit of his and it has worked poorly ever since. I could have spanked him good but I didn't. He is getting smarter every day.

I think there must be snow in the air. Went to Dr. D's to-day.. the first time I have been out in almost two weeks - with the exception of last night - and afternoon. I still cough but it is much better[.]

Bronchitis is very prevalent in these parts. Dr. D. in bed Sat. and is about down sick - never heard him cough like he did to-day. Said how he wished he could have stayed home and in bed to-day - I wished I could have too. Mr. Taylor's son - is in bed with Bronchitis - Mr. Bosworth has had it and Mrs Perley Brown's sister-in-law has been in bed for 8 days and is still sick. We did not stop for lunch to-day. I was afraid to breathe in the cold air - so we drove right home -

While I was in the dentist's Papa went to Shartenberg's and your beads were ready and done very satisfactorily. (soldered). Papa will send them registered mail. On the way home - we went to the butchers - and got the meat for the week. They are having much better meat and a little cheaper. There was a little male maltese cat in the store. With a big broad head. A beautiful cat - not a bit of white. and deep wrinkles on his forehead. He won't starve there. Probably will have fits from overeating.

Did you see about the Blizzard in the South especially in Salisbury. Roads impassable on account of snow-drifts. We had a little taste of that when we were down there. Do you remember looking out the window at the telephone poles - and calling into me - "There goes another one, Mamma." I can see that long road covered with ice and snow, and the tel. poles at all angles - like drunken men. A sight you seldom see.

Were the Lorna-doons O.K. would you like some more? Only two more months of cold and then the spring-time. The Blue Jays are staying all winter and they look very picturesque on the snow covered boughs - they look almost like Xmas ornaments. I am so tired of coughing. The little balls are practically gone - but my eyes - ears - and head have been so sore from that constant barking. I feel fine otherwise.

Mrs. Mourey was delighted with your card. Papa went to see her yesterday and also saw the 2 gallstones. The gall bladder was not infected so Dr. Kirsbaum did not have to take it out - (which is a blessing) but she will have to stay in the hospital for a month - so whenever you are able - send her a card. The days are very long - when you just have to lie there and she has plenty to worry about (expenses of the operation etc.). Will close now. Papa will take it down to the P.O.

Lots and lots of love,
Mamma

Jan 26, 1940.