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Probably 1917 - in the spring, since "Babins" refers to our son, Malcolm, born Feb 1, 1917. Mother was cooking at an Inn in Avon Park, Florida, when this was written. A note appears, also, from my grandmother, Elizabeth Gribling Walden, born in Parrish, N.Y. Jan, 14th, 1840, then living with mother. Grandma died at age 84 in Highlands, N.C. where she had lived from 1885 to 1913. KKM

Monday 7 a.m.

Darling Children:

Your letter was so welcome! Glad you are getting on so well in every way and Babins how I'd love to have you here so we could see him! - and you of course. Can't you photograph him soon? I came home on a vacation yesterday afternoon and am going back in a few minutes. I am all tired out! Am going to give it up for I can't stand it. Mother comes over every day to help me after she gets her work done at home, but it is too much for her to do that. I may have to give 30 days notice as contract calls for, tho Mrs. Pelton knows the situation exactly. She has advertised for a cook. She goes to Tampa tomorrow to be gone a few days. She is almost sick-a-bed all the time, so we are a very interesting lot. Had two fine rains lately which have probably saved the fruit. It was dropping badly this hot dry weather. Been 96 degrees, 94 degrees, 92 degrees, etc. hot enough for anybody. Am going to have a wash lady today, so I must get back to hotel. Feel more like going to bed. Went about sun down last night, but - I'm exhausted. Dear Pupsie! How dreadful to be not wanted. And she is such a well-meaning, good natured pup. You had not mentioned her before since I left, until your last letter. I couldn't possibly take her. Her coat would harbor all