The Dalles, 1-5-1901

Dear Daughter

They all got a Christmas letter, but I would enjoy a good long letter first with you. How I would rather? of the talk would be a caution. I just got a good letter from Clara a few days ago. The boys gave her a small sum for which she was very glad. Teentie sent her $5.00. I think she will go to her husband, that will comfort Clara, The ? army owed Clara for nursing and they paid her that so she will get along. Roy is working too till he can earn something. Teentie took home a turkey & some cranberries. I wish I could send you some berries to, only ten cts a qt. Willie likes them so well he was raised on them so to speak. I suppose you had a good Christmas dinner. Tell little Vera I thought her little letter was sweet & cute. Ollie, what is her other name, I have forgotten it. Well I should think you would have lots of eggs where they get so much refuse of meat to make them lay. Judd is going to get come chickens the neighbors hens come in and lay for or five eggs a day. Judd and Smyrthe? laughs and sys they can’t to rent their house for less. The woman that owns the hens don’t come after. I got a birthday present of a new dress. Going to make a Tea gown of it. I can wear it with out a corset every day Smyrthe? gets along with the work nicely, is a fine house keeper & so pleasant. I think she was a God send for I never thought of asking her. We pay her $3.50 a week, good girls are so scarce. I cant afford many nice things. I need a new cape and a pair of gloves but I don not know as I will go anywhere this winter so I will not need them. I haven’t had a new pair of shoes for over a hear when one sits in the Rocking most all the time they don’t wear out many shoes or clothes. I am pretty well satisfied with my nice home and Juddie in it too. I thank God every day for it. I got so tired boarding well. I must close tell Willie I thank for my Rocking chair it’s so pretty. Yours lovingly

Sophia Palmer