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This letter will (I hope) go to Seattle then to Portland (Oregon) then Chicago then New York & I trust catch the Queen Mary. Do note how long it takes to get to you.
GOVERNMENT HOUSE, VICTORIA, B.C.
July 26 1937 Monday
[JAS annotation: For biography description of Olympics' earlier Olympics in US (State of Washington)
My darling Baba [ST - Mother]
I got dear letters from you & Marnie when I arrived here on Saturday (dated about July 12th). If you see Alice and Johnnie will you tell them that I haven't heard from either of them for a month [underlined], and ask them why they are neglecting their poor mother like this?
I wish I had you here with me in this lovely lotus eating island. You know what it is here so I shan't indulge in descriptions except to say that the Olympic mountains are facing me as I write. They are rising
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out of a band of mist like a tulle bridal veil laid endways & they go up in subtle gradations of blue into snowfields, which stand out hard & sharp against a pale blue sky. This house is the acme of comfort, & the Chinese cook cuts my breakfast melon into the shape of a flower each morning, a touching & delicate attention.
There is something peaceful about life here. The Hambers are good to us. They are both busy & they give me a sitting room to myself & I am able to do some writing; though I long to paint & to reproduce in some way other than words, the magic of the
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scene in front of me. If only the Romans had got here first or the Greeks & had built a white terraced city with temples down to the waters edge, this would be the most beautiful place in the world; but one can forget the chicken coop type of architecture, if one resolutely shuts ones eyes to it!
And meantime you are having such a tragic time. I can't bear to think about it, & to feel that there is so little I can do to help, except to think of pray for you & darling Lynydie - & pray that she mayn't suffer.
Don't write if you are feeling too exhausted
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letters can be an unutterable last straw & perhaps Marnie would write for you. She is always so faithful & good.
I have had such a darling letter from Bill. I am so glad you think he looks so well. I wish there was any little present I could send you. I keep Gertrude's photo of you by my bed.
Your own lovingest
Susie
We have had a wire from Shouldham apparently it is very hot up north John is very well.
We had been 3 whole weeks on the train when we arrived here; I dont know when I've felt more tired & stupid.
