We now have four birds

Sept. 10, 1956

Dear Mother,

Thank you so mcuh for the piece of material you sent for my birthday. It will be just right for a blouse. It's such a pretty color too.

Well, summer is over, and I don't know where it went. I spent the time sewing and cleaning and taking the children places. Oh, and I painted the trim on the outside of the house. That was a big job - took me two weeks. I had to do a lot of sanding and puttying first - then gave it two coats.

Betty, Morgan, and the kids were here for a couple of days the last of August. They left the baby here for a couple of days while they went on for a short trip up to Canada. Our youngsters are very fond of Betty's little girls - they're as cute and pretty as can be. Melody especially enjoys all babies.

Roxy has been very busy this summer - doing various odd jobs and baby-sitting. She earned enough to help pay for some of her school clothes.

The three older girls sing in the choir at church - their first practice of the season was yesterday. Roxy and Jill like singing the most. Roxy enjoys playing the piano.

School started last week and with it all the extra activities that keep them (and their parents) busy.

I went back to work last Friday. My hours are "school hours", so the childen are not left alone. I do the baking at the college, just as last year, and prepare desserts and breads for over 700 students - three meals a day.

We now have four birds - all of them were given to us, for one reason or another. They are all parakeets - one talkes but doesn't say much. Bob and Melody are the ones who really enjoy the birds. They really sing and make a commotion early in the morning.

I didn't get a chance to go to Portland or to Elin's this summer, I'm sorry to say. It just didn't work out.

Have you heard from Martin? How is everything at the home? Do you want me to write the social worker to see what can be done? If you can specific complaints about the Schultz's, I wish you'd tell either one of us, or the social workers. Unless you are very specific in your facts, it is impossible to do anything.

Again, thank you for the birthday gift.

As ever,

Lottie