Wisner, Nebr., Jan., 8, 98.
Dear Lawrence:
When you get this letter you will be almost ready to start for home. I had meant to write sooner, but the holidays put an end to good intentions.

My vacation began a week before Christmas and ended the week after. The week before Christmas was a busy one: we butchered a pig, made sausage, packed a box for Edgar and Hudson, one for Marcia and the children, and another for Ella. We sent the boys two roasted turkeys. They were to take one to Jones' and eat dinner with them. We sent the ice-

cream freezer too, so they could have a fine Christmas dinner. Hudson would be willing to drive a good many miles for an ice-cream freezer. The boys had a good box, full of things to eat, clothes, and books. Ida subscribed for the Harper's Weekly for them, and mother and father, for the "Scientific American" and "Supplement." Hudson himself takes the "Youth's Companion": so with the other papers and books they have, they have a good supply of reading material.

We had a pleasant Christmas, though we sadly missed the boys. We all thought of you so far away too. But we knew that all our family was well and safe, and that [?] Christmas Cheer — and have we not always be blessed? — every Christmas

and every New Year finds us all here and well. All got nice presents, even though we had decided not to give many presents this year. I got four books, a gold stick pin, several handkerchiefs, some perfume, a cup and saucer, and other things. My school children gave me lots of pretty little things, even to a stick of chewing gum.

James Munroe came home the day before Christmas and staid until Sunday. I'm sure he does not drink now, and he seemed very nice. Lily came home too Friday, but her vacation was shorter than mine. Do you know J.P. Cameron, of the class of '97? He came over from [?], where he lives and called on Lily M.

Christmas day. He staid till Tuesday morning. He is a good friend of Lily's.

Tuesday after Christmas, I went to Lincoln to attend State Teacher's Association which convened from Dec 27-31. I had a fine time. I attended professional meetings of course, but I also saw a good deal of Marcia, the children, and my Lincoln Uni friends. It seemed as if it were not vacation time, so many students were around. I saw fourteen 96's, and as many or more 97's. I went over to see your room. It looked much as ever, only if possible, less crowded. Mr. Hunter said some of the library drawer were removed. I told Mr. Hunter that I had

come to see how he was managing in your absence. I read your last letter which Marcia had, and took it home. We are always glad to hear from you. I am glad you are getting along so well in your work, for, indeed, it is a responsible undertaking. Your hinderances too, are very great. 30,000 ton of grasshoppers — what a mess!, however I suppose the number still to be destroyed are many times that [?]. It must be possible, the drought which kills wild animals. How many things you will have to tell when you are again at home. Then you be funnier than ever, won't you?

Baby Alice is so heavy, I could hardly lift her, and so smart. Why, she brought her "Three Bears,"

"The Frog He Would a Wooling Go," and her other Christmas books for me to read, just as Psyche, and, later, Helen did. And, she laughed out loud at exactly the proper time. I could tell you more about the children, but I know that Marcia writes that. Psyche met me at the depot, so, you see she is a big girl.
I am again at Wisner at my schoolwork. Four months are past, and by the time you receive this letter, I shall have had five months experience. I am thankful for every month gone by, for my work grows monthly easier. Today I drew my fourth $45.00. It makes me feel independant [sic] to have my own money. I know too that it is fully time I relieved father of my

support. I should like to get a high-school position next year. I'm sure I could do at least as well, if not better, high school than grade work. Do not think I am dissatisfied, far from it, I only want to do the best I can. The principal here is a very kind and considerate man. He allows his teachers full liberty to arrange their works as they please. The folks I stay with moved this week, so I have a new room, much smaller than my other, yet this objection is more than redeemed in the large closet and shelves in the room. It is only a block farther to the school house....

We are having lovely weather, the snow is fast disappearing and every day is bright and 

warm. You know that we had very heavy snow in November and early December. At Rosebud they have had snow but once, and the new sleigh Doctor bought is useless.
I wish I could be in Argentina for a week at least — but, for that matter, where wouldn't I like to go, and what not see? I'm afraid I am as wild a dreamer and as imaginative a traveller [sic] as Edgar and Hudson.

But now I must close, wishing you "midsummer pleasures" in Argentina.
Goodbye, with love, from
Your sister Amy.

P.S. The cukoo [sic] clock is again in order, and the bird sings at the proper times. Lillie had it fixed for Christmas. Mother's palms are growing nicely. She is so proud of them.