Priest River Idaho
March 15 1903
My Dear Mother;
Your kind letter came about a month ago. I should have written sooner but as usual I have been very busy. It does not do for me to tell every body that I am kept very busy because they would say that I must have any amount of time, not having children to care for. But not having children makes it busier than ever for me because people are apt to think I have nothing to do and so I am expected to be at every thing; and really I am kept on the go most of the time.
Did I tell you that I have a new Wheeler & Wilson sewing mechine. We got it at store that was selling out. It is a drop head ball baring with modern improvements. We payed thirty dollars the machine. Now I am learning how to make my own clothes. I have sent away for several patterns and I hope to have good success.
I am very fond of sewing and I think I will learn easily. I have two summer dresses of percale and two thin waists to make for summer wear.
There is a great deal of sickness in town. March began with quite a spell of windy weather. The snow is all off from the ground in town and it is very muddy.
How did Clarence like the west? Does he still think of making his home out this way?
Horace has been sick in bed nearly a week with the Grippe. I think he will soon be around. The people here want Horace to stay and we may but Horace is very much in need of a vacation of six months or a year. And if we do not stay here we will go out on to a ranch three miles from here. Clarence knows whare it is. It is across the river from whare we all went for a walk. It has several log buildings on the place and there is splendid hunting and fishing around there.
Alice wrote to me quite a while ago and I answered but she has not written yet. I suppose she is so happy and busy in her own house she does not find time to write. I must close. Much love to all.
Lovingly,