Roxanne Marie

June 28, 1942

Dear "Blue Windows" Family,

It seems an age since I wrote you, but I suppose Betty has kept you informed of this part of the family.

Roxanne and I came home from the hospital last Friday, and today is Monday. We're getting along just swell. Betty washed this morning, and is cleaning the refrigerator right now. Tomorrow she plans to go into town.

I'm still supposed to be in bed, but get up for meals, to take my bath and give Roxanne hers, and take care of her, mostly.

I don't like to ramble on about my health, but being you asked about the "complications" this was it. In the first place, I gained only six pounds (usual increase - and loss - is twenty). I was sick most of the time, had a kidney and bladder infection, and later developed a case of toxemia. This necessitated the elimination of absoultely all salt in my food. No butter, bread, bakery goods, canned vegetables. Not much left but fruit and milk. Then too, the baby was in backwards, and was born feet first. Due to the inverted position of the baby, the doctor thought it best to induce birth rather than to let it get any larger. In a breach birth the baby has to be born very quickly, or it will suffocate or stranglt. Also to facilitate a quick birth was a long incision, which is the reason why I can't sit down without a pillow. I had the best obstetrician in the city and everything went off just swell. Roxanne was born in less than 55 seconds.

The young-un is doing just fine. She regained her birth weight in one week and had gained 3.5 ounces when we left the hospital after ten days. Babies always lose the first few days and do not usually regain their birth weight until they are two weeks old.

Betty told us all about your new home, and it surely sounds interesting. I'd like to see it - especially the telephone pole beams and the privy "over yonder".

Our neighbor, Ruth Haakenson, just came in with two huge boquets of flowers. One of foxglove and canterbury bells, and the other a gorgeous arrangement of roses.

I must close now, and feed the babe. Betty, Bob, and Roxanne Marie all send their love.

L.

Have you done your taxes yet?

I am still in the dark

May 21, 1942

Dear Mason Street Family,

It was good to hear from you again - and just think I'm answering only two weeks later. Quite a record for the Jensen family.

Your proposed schedule for coming out sounds find. It will be convenient to us and if it is to you too, that's swell. By the way, what is the arrangement for Martin for the summer? Are Marie and Frank going to be in Omaha?

Jean wrote that she had seen Marie one noon hour. Said Marie promised to call her and have lunch together sometime. Have you had an opportunity to get together yet?

Mom wrote that Pop has changed jobs and is now working for the Omaha Bakery. How come? And since when?

By the way, what happened to all the branches of the Parrish family when they moved out. I hadn't even known Mr. Parrish had died.

That's pretty good about Frank's brother getting married. Marie and Frank should be right in their glory and make the most of the situation.

Now I don't want to hurt anyone's feelings or seem ungrateful, but frankly, I don't think much of the names Lobert and Bertie. I still think Hepsibah is much nicer. Incidentally, we still aren't decided on a name.

I sent a little polo shirt for Martin's birthday. Let me know if it came all right. I am now working on his others.

Our friend, Mrs. Kitchen was sick in bed for two weeks, so Bob and I moved over and kept house while she was incapacitated. They have two little kids and Meade (Captain Kitchen) was not home. He just arrived Saturday after three months at Fort Knox. Evelyn is all well now and we came home Friday. I had Martin's present all wrapped and ready to mail over there, but no address. That accounts for his birthday gift being late - I had to wait until we got home to look up 3151.

Mom wrote that she disapproves of your coming out. I hope you can iron out this difficulty. Knowing how set of mind she can be, I know that is not easy. She gave us no reasons for not wanting you to come, so I am still in the dark as to why. I wrote her this morning, and did my best to win her over. We are still expecting you, but if there should be any change, let me know as soon as possible.

By the way did I tell you I got a new watch for our anniversary? And did I thank you for your sweet telegram? I meant to, of course, for it was certainly nice of you.

Anyway Betty - hope to see you the middle of June sometime.

Love,

Bob & Lottie

Christine's Christmas Letter, 1942

Oakland
dec 29 1942

Dear Marie & Husband

I thank jau sa much for the nice box af good tings to eat. Wonder have jau can fine time for all vork. Garfield David vas her Christmas day. I have recieved over 40 cards a box candy from Elin. Glad to here from  Elin. I am well but et is hard to valk upp town My hart is veek and in walking et also hurth my back ve have Sunchan and nice weather we have recieved visit from Chicago a Jaung Lady her name is Rutie Durand She came to stay ve like to have her She is pruttie Thanks for the Picture

I have 2 more letters to writ sa I can not writ a lang letter Thanks for all and Gad bless oss all

Love and greetings
from me,
Jour Grandma

Ruth's Christmas Letter, 1942

Oakland, Nebr.
Dec. 24, 1944

Marie - 

I received your letter and the $1.00 and thank you very much. I received this postal card from Elin and I am sending it to you. I was so anxious to hear from her if she received the dresser. I even sent a night letter to her about it. Let me know what she sends you for Christmas presents will you please?

I received a pair of bed room slippers from your father a few days ago. They were just the kind I like and they fit me too. That was thoughtful of him to think I needed them.

Don't you miss Betty now? I do and I remember last Christmas day we went to the Muse theatre to see Alice Faye, and Betty Grable in another picture. Both were in technicolor.

It has been quite cold weather here and now the ground is covered with snow.

I haven't had an card or letter from Lottie real lately. I sent her that little Christmas tree that had been yours. I put it in a shoe box and I hope that they all will enjoy the little tree. So now you know where it is and I think nice that, that the little tree is still in the family. If you wish to, you may sent Lottie's letter but I hope to hear from her soon.

So you have one of those sno suits for your little girl? I hope so for I think they are so pracitcal and you remember we sent more than 1 pair to Elin for her children when they were small. I wonder if her children wore them out. Don't you?

I have a few more things to do here and I hope, I hope that I can soon go to Omaha. I am over at Mrs. Backlund's some-times.

Please write soon and read over my letter as you answer it. I will close now and say good-by.

As ever,
I am,
Your Mother.

P.S. (Please excuse pencil.)

We had three soldiers in for Christmas dinner

December 29, 1942

Dear Marie, Frank, Martin, Betty, & Pop,

I just couldn't wait to thank you for all the nice things you sent us for Christmas. Every thing was much appreciated. I new sweater is just what Roxanne needed - she's outgrown all her baby ones. She wore it Sunday afternoon when we went out for dinner, and the first thing she did was to pick off two buttons.

The salad set is something I've always wanted - it's such a nice one too. Bob couldn't have gotten anything better than that mystery reader - he read it all day Saturday.

We had three soldiers in for Christmas dinner, and they seemed to enjoy themselves. Bob got a fifteen pound turkey from the office, and we'll be eating it for a week.

How do you like my new stationary? Bob gave me this for Christmas.

I finally finished my suit I have been making since shortly after Betty left. It is a light blue Shetland wool. Turned out all right, but nothing to brag about.

Roxy got the cutest pair of white hand-knitted mittens. They are simply darling. They just fit her, and she looks so cute when she claps her hands with them on. By the way - she can sit up alone now. Not very long at a time, and she's still wobbly, but she can sit alone.

I hope you received our package before Christmas. It was insured, so let me know if it hasn't arrive.

We haven't heard from the Durand branch of the family for months and months. Write a line when you can squeeze out the time.

Tell Betty we sent her a subscription to Reader's Digest, and to let us know if it doesn't start coming.

Love,

L.

Remind Martin to Keep His Mouth Closed

Thursday Afternoon

April 23, 1942

Marie -

On my way home last night I stopped at the drug store and bought some stamps.

There was so little time to talk over things last night. Do you think I could come over Saturday? Perhaps you could take a taxi to work and then let me know. I mean just come to the door and tell me while the taxi waits for you.

In the mean time remind Martin to keep his mouth closed and also after washing hands to shake that tooth. Please. Also another thing I noticed those shoes he was wearing looking tight. Don't you think they are most too short? Don't you think he should have a new pair? I mean for everyday wear.

I wish Betty would take the bus home. She looked tired. Perhaps a touch of spring fever.

Well may-be Martin will get over this spring and not catch measles. Perhaps next spring.

Also I don't think your father should take the children to shows during the week. Talk to him about it and insist that it be on Friday or Saturday night.

If I don't hear from you before Saturday I take it for granted that I may come up Saturday as I have several things to talk about.

Good-by,

Your Mother

P.S. Excuse pensil

Did you find out yet who the young lady was who caled Easter Sunday?

Spring is really here

March 5, 1942

Dear Mason Street Family,

I was so glad to hear from you. Betty and Marie, and to hear that you could come out here in June. We will be looking forward to seeing you. I do hope your coming will not disrupt your household too much - so far as Martin is concerned, I mean.

In regard to Betty's coming a few days early - it's very generous of you, but not necessary; and since her presence is needed in Omaha, it will be time enough for her to leave when the baby arrives. Thank you, though.

We had a letter from Jean today. She seems to be getting better all the time. She mentioned that she saw Marie during lunch the other day. Melvin is slated to go into the army or navy this month.

I have written Mom at least three letter without hearing from her. Tell her to write when you see her. I also wrote Pop this week. I sent the letter to his apartment address - hope he receives it all right.

Tuesday evening I had quite an unfortunate experience. At a Guild meeting in the church basement I brushed my coat against a heating stove and burned the back of my coat very badly. I'm quite afraid - beyond repair. It's awfully disappointing because it's a good coat and was new last year. It's a tan polo coat and shows no wear at all.

This afternoon my landlady and I went visiting an elderly neighbor - you know little ray of sunshine. Can't you just see me - sipping tea and exchanging tatting patterns?

Spring is really here. The crocuses are blooming just outside our backdoor, and are so beautiful when the sun shines. I'm going to plant a garden this year.

Write soon!

Love, Lottie & Bob

A Sample: Mount Adams

This is just a sample of what you'll see this summer.

Bob

"Greethings and Love from Grandma"

Oakland
Febr 6, 1942

I think of jau avery day. I knov jau hav hard vork in the vinter. Et is trubelsam – Hopp jau have health and in fuv days et is jaur birthday and Grandma vich jau much hapenes – and all be glad vith jau.

Na letter has come from Elin for a long time –
Greethings and love from Grandma