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April 1852 I have been commencing with in my thoughts my own dear Mother for some days past but have not found time to take pen in hand. It is as you well know not very unusual for me to feel hurried with much before me to accomplish, and the time out of school is not apt to hang heavy on my hands, but especially now I have plenty to do, in practicing my new learned drawing, besides 'altering dresses' and more then all mending stockings which has to be done every week, sometimes oftener, I wash too, once in two weeks, handkerchiefs, muslins, and light articles, by that means making my washing come to only 12 1/2 instead of .25 per week various school duties, reading some and writing letters pretty well fill up the time, leaving less time than I could wish for recreation in walking, I make few calls, and receive few. I rise now about five and usually retire before ten. the season has been so cold and backward that the most comfortable place has been in our chamber with a good fire, but for a few days