Mom has really been putting on the pressure to come out West

Tacoma, Washington

January 3, 1958

Dear Marie, and All,

The Kids got a new (new, to us, that is) typewriter for Christmas, so I'll try my rusty fingers at it. I've scarcely touched a typewriter for nearly twenty years, but I'm really quite amazed at the fact that I had not forgotten the keyboard.

Thank you so mcuh for remembering us at Christmas. The youngsters are writing their own letters. We were delighted with the card announcing the renewed subscription to Arizona Highways. It is surely a beautiful magazine! The pictures are simply breathtaking; worth the price of the magazine, even if one didn't read a word. Thank you again - you can be sure we shall all enjoy it.

Everyone at our house is about the same. We had a awfully busy time at Christmas. We were "involved" in four programs - each, of course, requiring a certain costume or outfit or props to have ready. Then, each club or organization that anyone belongs to has a party - more food, gifts and certain clothes to have ready. Roxy and Melody have more than their share of social life too. It all adds up when everyone in the gang, including them, has a party within three weeks. To top it all off, Roxanne was general chairman for the Luther League All-Nations Festival the Sunday after Christmas. This is a full dinner open to anyone. The kids decorate booths representing each country, and serve a dish typical to that nation. It's all worked out so that a well-balanced meal is the end result. They served about 150 people, and cleared around $80.00. The girls did the serving, the boys lugged booths and table and washed all the dishes. But I worked like a dog directing activities, and keeping the food hot in the kitchen.

Which reminds me - out church had a very clever idea last Spring for the Mother and Daughter Banquet. I have an extra program here in the drawer, I'll send it along. It's not original, but I suppose you have to be on the prowl for ideas all the time.

Mom has really been putting on the pressure to come out West. She sayd that Mrs. Schultz will buy her ticket. I just don't feel that I can have her just now. For one thing, I'm just finishing up a two-week vacation and couldn't possibly take any time off. Besides, I was back there just five months ago. She would, of course, like to be released from the hospital; which probably wouldn't be a good idea; but couldn't you manage a two-week vacation for her. She said she shoul go now, because they start housecleaning in February.

I'm glad (whoops, forgot to indent) your church is going well. it really must be a challenge to start from scratch on such a big project. But I know your family can do it - and I'm sure it really takes the whole family too.

Well, I must go. This is my last day at home before I go back to work, so I must make it count. My projects for today are to have a jumper for Melody and for a king-size ironing. Also do my neighbor's hair. She is a semi-invalid, and can't put up her own hair. She can't sit under a dryer either, so it doesn't help to go to the beauty shop. So I go over about once a week. I know she appreciates it.

Do write. And a very Happy New Year to all of you!

Sincerely,

L.