"I had purchased a box of Whitman's Chocolates for you but when you said you preferred Stovers we ate 'em ourselves"

Phoenix, Arizona

Feb. 11, 1962

Dearest Mother,

I'll enclose the two letters - one to you and one to your friend Hilda - which I sent Dec. 31. I guess I must have been in a rush because the post office couldn't locate Lincoln without the Nebraska added on. Anyway, you'll know I thought of you. Evidently, all of the others got their letters, since yours was the only one that came back.

I finally got the letter all typed up and in the mail to Mr. Elmer. Sorry it took so long. Hope it does some good. If he replies to me, I'll let you know.

Thank you for sending the lovely materials to me for my birthday. It was the first birthday gift received. However, my birthday isn't until tomorrow. It will be a regular school day. Becky has hinted that she is going to make me an angel food cake.

Enclosed are some pictures we took last summer. The one with you, the children, and me was quite good, I think. The one with Garf is overexposed but I thought you might like it anyway. If you think Hilda would like copies of the one with you and the one with her son, I'll have some made.

Sorry to hear Hilda has been ill. She seemed like such a nice person. She treated us so wonderfully well that afternoon we were there.

Stevie said you called this afternoon when I was out for just such a short time. I had to take Ruthie to her job where she teaches crafts on Sunday afternoon. Stevie said you wanted to wish me a happy birthday. Thank you! He said he enjoyed talking with you.

Enclosed is a little check for $5.00. Maybe you can buy a box of candy with it and be reimbursed for that phone call today. Count the candy as a belated bithday gift. I had purchased a box of Whitman's Chocolates for you but when you said you preferred Stovers we ate 'em ourselves.

An announcement frm Merrilyn Jean announces the birth of Eric George Koslin on Feb. 5.

Love,

Marie and all