1 Apr 1941 From Lois and boys

Envelope postmarked:
Portland
1 Apr 1941
Return address:
1416 SE 45 Ave
Portland Oregon
Dear Ann –

It’s bedtime but I’m sure you would like to know how David did in his recital. He made one mistake stopped, picked it up and finished o.k. There were at least 60 people there and he got one of the biggest hands. Everyone said he did very well for on so little. He looked so cute. I had his suit you got him cleaned and it still fits him. It’s the first time he has had occasion to wear it. He has been sick with a upset stomach & running off the bowels since Sat nite but is o.k. tonite. He’s lost some weight again but will gain it back I’m sure, he did look so well and weighed 53 ½, I think, at school.
Danny was thrilled with his card & I’m going to get him some thing he’ll need. E (Edith?) sent him 2.50 & I let him buy himself a mitt bat and ball. He’s putting the $ in with the money he makes selling magazines to buy himself a bicycle. I’m encouraging him as I think he’ll get more kick out of it & appreciate it if he feels he’s earning the money, I haven’t been giving him an allowance as I haven’t been able to spare it but it won’t hurt him to save what he earns.
They enjoy giving out to the ranch on the week ends and Tom is staying there with Buddy & Ginger. He’s getting quite a tan all ready and is eating like a horse. He drinks 2 glasses of milk besides his dinner sometimes. We got a couple of goats cheap so he’s drinking goats’ milk. I must try to get some films & send some pictures. We took Al’s girl Manial (sp?) out this Sat & she broke out with measles Sun. I have here with me for a couple days. We get along fine and she’s no trouble, she’s not really sick but they can’t go to school for a few days.
We want to buy us a cow soon as the bills are up and going up still more & will be high for several years. It’s impossible to get a good cow for less than $100 or $125. Isn’t that awful for just one cow? But we’ll have to have one.
Al’s having his troubles! The car is beginning to go haywire in every way now. Has 65,000 miles & never any work on it. Now the back spring is broken on one side and it is apt to fall off and then loose a fender or wreak the wheel & tire. He’s going to see what kind of deal he can get on another one. By the time he puts in $150 or $200 on a complete overhaul he might as well get a new one as he’ll still have just an old car after all the expense. It’s same maddening when everything happens at once but he has to have quick sure transportation driving 25 min to work.
Harry is sick again. His back started bothering him and it hit him all of a sudden. He’s going into the hospital next week for a general exam again. I’m afraid they’ll pull him off as he’s been off so much with illness.
Mom & Pearl went to the recital with us. Believe me some of the children could sure play.
Boy we are all hoping & playing you can come up this summer. It would sure be nice. I’d love to ride down & then come up with you. I haven’t mentioned it but it was just a pleasant thought.
Wonder what E. will do if Del goes into the Army? It probably will be soon from what Mrs. M. says to mom. I get more good out of those slacks you sent me. I took them up in the crotch several inches and they are ok now. That’s about all I wear now & will be more so when I get out on the ranch. Only washable ones. Everyone sure gets dirty. We have to get a water system in before we can have running water & bathroom.
We sure want to get it in as soon as we can but it costs so much for plowing & seeding. The seed runs over $100, too? Boy it sure costs money to farm and you can put it all back into the place & still wonder where it all goes. It’s sure nice tho’ in the spring and summer. The lambs are sure cute. We have quite a time cutting off their tails. Everyone takes part it seems. It’s a grand way to raise children believe me.
Must get to bed & get some sleep. Have been up with David & am tired.
Thanks so much for the check, Ann, I hate to take your money but I never seem to have any left for incidentals & Al has his hands full right now trying to get caught up. He was off 10 days with measles which set him back plenty just when he needs it most.
Please don’t wait so long to write. We all enjoy so much hearing from you.
I sure like to find out if Dan is working steady & try to get some each month out of him. I might write the union. I don’t know if they’d give out any info or not.

Love from us all and thanks a million again
Lois & boys