RK-702

66 123[circled]

The Grove Jan 14th /59 Morning Candle light Friday

Dear Bob

No letters from you for some time – I suppose you are too busy - Raining like sixty – I don’t know if I should be glad or sorry – It will open the ground if it comes long enough & then we can dig seedlings - & then instead of going to Chicago - I must stay & graft – etc –

I have a first rate chance for one month at Bells Commercial but[strikethrough] which I had decided to take advantage of - but if the ground opens - it knocks that on head –

I have some notion that this rain will turn to snow – if it should do so, & then freeze - there would be both sleighing & skating & of the best kind too - - -

I miss Laurence a good deal – My ankle is still weak & sore tho I can walk a good distance - I cannot raise on the toe[strikethrough] toe

I think that the ankle bone is some what enlarged – but there is no longer of[strikethrough] any danger of permanent stiffness if I am careful – Which I am per-force – Not being in very strong health – I believe that my - inactive life since my hurt – is the sole cause of my not feeling well – It aint natural for me

If I go to Chicago I shall stay with Geo. You know he “keeps house” – to board their men - & so my board costs 0 Uncle Hiram owes us enough - & he likes the idea of my staying with Geo - You know that I kept[strikethrough] keep a regular & exact acct of my personal expenses – Scince one year ago Jan 1 st[underlined] – What do you think last year came to? – Clothing - travelling - incidintals & all? It added up $38.30!! - I added – for shirts & stockings & other things perhaps forgotten enough to make even nos $50..00 = which is a high figure to put it at - & that includes $12.00 shoe leather – got for this years wear[underlined] – If I can live on 50..00 a year beside board etc - I think I shall be able to get along & save up a little some thing what say?

No 3

I shall not go to Bells – if the whole expense exceeds $25.00 - & I think I can horde enough to make it pay Father at that – -

We expected Frank yesterday but on account of the storm he did not come –

We see very few people this winter - & it is now quite lonely – that Father too is away - -

Jack [is?] my principle consolation he progresses – in his “Lurning & incuiring" – he did not kill the skunk Riff did I dont know what he will do if I stay away a month – Every body seems to be well as usual - -

Lewis Paulsen is at Uncle Hirams – playing chess – I[strikethrough] Mr Chase not got back – we expect him soon he calls this home - & I guess means to make it so – Heard from Charlie yesterday – I suppose that Father will not be with you when you get this –

9 O.C. Rain Stopped Growing colder –

Your Bro AJ Kennicott.

24[circled]

I am making pies and have come in from the kitchen with my hands covered with flour Just to let you know I think of you

With much love Dalse