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to do so.

You should not suppose that you are in the way where you are, for the girls are very glad to have you. Ada speaks of you in almost every letter. If Smith is prompt in his payments, which I think he will be you will be able to go ahead and build soon. In building, all that I would say is do not get a house so large that you cannot keep it in shape. Rather a small coosy house, than a large one which is unfurnished and unkept.

We have had about five inches of rain already here, and everything is looking beautiful, except the roads, which try to hang onto your [heels?] and go with you. A party of us are contemplating a four or five days trip into the Santa Cruz mountains in the spring. There is a state park there which is almost inaccessible excepting on foot.

Today I joined the Y.M.C.A. not as a regular, but as an associate member. The associate members are not members of any churches, but merely lend their aid to the good work of the Association. The head man of the association here is a Selma man by name of Dun[c?]an.

It is getting near midnight so must close. Will have to write to Pa and Lena soon. With love to all, I remain as ever.

Your loving Brother
Ernest