393 3/13/1939 Sadie Erwin to Helen Erwin

Sadie Erwin 1120 Cole St., Enumclaw, Washington Monday, March 13, 1939

Helen Erwin 5201 28th Ave South, Minneapolis, Minnesota

My dear Helen, It has been a rainy, stormy day. A nice day to be at home. I even took a short nap this afternoon. I have felt so tired out ever since Christmas and this is the first day nap I have had in months. Stella and the baby were over for a while about noon. She came over to telephone and to get the cleaner. Last week the kids bought a Frigidaire like mine, only a size larger. It is just like new, but someone had turned it back because they could not pay for it. Stella got it for $100.00 and it was $189.00 new. Harold feels she has more than earned it this winter and wanted Stella to have it. We encouraged her to get it too for she needed one for the baby’s milk and food. They were always having to run over here with their stuff. They are getting along fine. Harold has had steady work all winter. Papa and I often think of our trip at the ocean last summer. We want to make that trip on the peninsula again around Lake Crescent. Next time I want to go to Cape Flattery too. It would be fun to just do as one pleased. Go to the ocean, then back to the mountains. Both so lovely and so different. Yes, I got your Friday letter Saturday afternoon. It use to take four days for a letter to reach us from Minneapolis. Then the train service made it in three days and now the planes bring them in one day. Grandma is supposed to live with Aunt Mary and is free to go visiting whenever she wants to. Aunt Mary will see she gets her mail even if she is away. We must write to her soon. One night last week Papa and I planned to, then the kids came over and we did not get to write. I think it would be lovely for you to make the trip out thru California. Papa rather plans to take his vacation in July. Sometimes we think we will pass up the Fair this year but can’t say for sure for we are apt to change our minds a dozen times before then. Seattle now is talking of having a big Fair in 1941. Of course, we would go to that. It will not hurt to find out all about the trip anyway. Poor Wally has had a bad winter with broken nose and toe and flu. If you do not feel like eating sandwiches you must buy yourself a good lunch even if it does cost you more. The cocoa is good for you. Don’t allow yourself to get too run down. You know how hard it is to gain it back when you do. One always feels better with a little flesh on their bones. I am glad you got your new dress and feel good in it. Be sure to let me know if you want Stella’s red dress. You could wear it to work. Too bad Vernie’s mother had to be so sick. Was Harry Jensen home from Florida? Jimmie has gone up to Jack’s tonight to study. Jim expects a real good card this time. Nothing below a C and most of them A and B. When he gets his card I’ll let you know how near he comes to his expectations. Tomorrow night they play their last basketball game of the season with Renton here. Harold and Stella want to go so suppose I’ll have Bernice here. She plays so hard during the day she is ready for bed by 7:30 at night. I wonder what Gladys will think of her. She is nice looking and good-natured so that should help some. When Papa came home for lunch today she pulled his cap off and had a big time playing with him. If Elmer gets work away from Minneapolis when he graduates you had better plan to stay out here next summer. Think about it anyway. Will write again soon. Much love, Mother.