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Old Mission Mich Dec. 21st 1930

My dear Miss Taft:

As usual I have intended to write you a letter a week ago but am so busy every day I keep waiting until another day so here I am at last.

We have been having wonderful weather for the past week. There are a few inches of snow left on the ground yet enough to protect the seeding.

Joseph had Tom R. haul the feed as he charges [$].15 per hundred do you wish me to pay the bill or would you rather I would. I got a sack of stock salt when in town.

The horse had another poor spell and we tried to dispose of her at the Fox farm and they would pay one cent a pound for fat horses but wouldn't take them unless they were so Jos. put her out of her misery before she ate a lot more expensive feed. He said he was sure that is what you would wish him to do if you could see for yourself.

We have tried to get some one to look after the well but haven't so far. But manage to get on quite nicely.

I know how mean it is to have your salary [shoped????] into for some one else who is too lazy to help them selves. Miss Taft while the rest of us have been sweating and doing without some or most of the city people have been living high and grand. Now a few months of hard times come along they are down flat. Jos. and I had to do without all pleasures out side our own family in order to get a little home such as it is. While other neighbors have put on a big showing its pretty hard to put ones pride in their pocket all the time. But hope the sky will look brighter from now on.

Made my mince meat Friday and oh boy but it is good I'll let you sample it next Summer. It isn't all meat like some people like it. But lots of fruit and a little ___ in it. Your's looks fine wish you had your canned fruit for winter use.

Am so glad Alberta is getting along so well with her drawiang. I don't suppose Hazel will ever have half a chance. She is having a hard time at school. Her change is giving her trouble so she isn't well at all and then with her school work and a poor eye is out of luck. I worry until I nearly go mad some times altho' it don't help a bit. No one knows the trials of a mother until they raise a family of their own. I'll never foget poor Mrs. Stutsman its a wonder she didn't have a nervous break down.

Well Christmas is nearly here and I hardly know what to give this year. I remembered my mother but none of the rest as I can't buy expensive gifts and don't have the time to make them.

Your new dress is very pretty and it is the shade you look so well in. How did the one wear you purchased at the Globe store? That was so very nice looking. I'm still wearing my old one. I must try and do some sewing after Christmas.

I haven't been able to catch any one who knows about coming down here with elecricity as they won't do more until Spring. Most all of the farmers are well pleased. It cost us $15 for our share of poles It cost us $138.75 for wiring and all expense of poles and all. It isn't much but enough I think. I settled with the bank yesterday.

Well I must get dinner as I expect Roger & Hazel will come from church any minute.

With love, Essie K.

Wish you a Merry Christmas and a very happy New Year.