Dear Pat, El ((Most people called Dad Al, but his name was Elvin, so Grandma called him El for a joke)) and Dona and Kevin;

Nice to know you were thinking of me yesterday. It was rather lonesome hoping someone would have called, but no one did. The boys sent me cards, but a note in his ((I’m thinking this was Uncle Dick)), letting me know their dog had her puppies, six in all. He called me a couple of weeks ago, wishing me happy Mother’s Day as he thought the others would maybe call yesterday. He and the children are coming up over Memorial Day. maybe his neighbor’s two children would come along.

I sent Dona a package, did she ever get it? You didn’t mention it in your letter. The only thing Chris said about Vilma ((Vilma was an exchange student who decided not to stay with us after a couple weeks)) was that she was leaving that Saturday, also she was kinda  funny girl.

We  have had nothing but cold and rainy weather since Thursday of last week. A couple of days we had frost, like this morning.

Rained very hard this morning, and who should pay me a visit, but Slim ((Slim was a hermit who lived in the woods. He picked mushrooms that my grandparent’s ate. He was Swedish. Apparently he was also a drinker)). Asked him to use the garage door as I didn’t want mud on the rug, then he said he didn’t know I had rugs. Really he wasn’t drunk, because when I let him in, I asked, also I could tell. After he was here about 1 hour told him he’d have to leave as I had to get dressed and had things to do. He asked if I had any whisky to sell, said no, but would sell him two beers, he gave me $1.00 and I gave him no change. Twice he came over under the weather and I told him in no uncertain terms not to do it again.

Yes, Verna and Les were up, went out with them Saturday, enjoyed myself. They told me that Jack ((Jack was a friend of my parent’s. Chris, mentioned earlier is his daughter)) was up, I didn’t see him, so I didn’t’ get your kiss.

I’ve finished my bedroom, also the hall, put up plaid wallpaper, it made it lighter, looks nice. Have some paper left, and thought I’d use it in the bathroom, but here wasn’t enough. So if I ever get to Rice Lake I’ll buy some there. Should have thought of that when Chris and I were up there.

No garden for me, I will plant the tomatoes that are started in the garage. I’ll go down to Slim’s and help myself. Also maybe Jim Lorentz will share his.

Bye now, love too all. I’m fine, hope you are too.

Mom