Letter from Grace McClurg to her Mamma (Eliza McClurg), 1911

My dear Mamma:
Bedtime again but just as well for I am not in a mood to write. Not lonely or pining or grumpy or sick or anything but just haven't cared to eat since breakfast and have thoroughly enjoyed a book of poems this afternoon. Wood have spent my spare time in being uneasy over not getting a letter yesterday had Thurs. Not been a holiday. Had four “bids” to dinner that day – C.T.S., Pearsons Hall, Mrs. Dildine’s, and Mrs. Smith’s (out here). Spent a very happy day with Alice Ferver of the old girls back then any time I have stopped. Missed Edith ever so much. Stella is getting along ever so well. Eager to get home Xmas to tell her folks all about it. Says, “you can't put it in letters.” Fat as a pig.

This is the grandest moonlight night. Crazy to be out in it. Can hardly keep from standing at our windows to watch, but that would make me sick with loneliness. Makes me think of “Adventures of Ann,” the night she stole out of the house to get the newly spun linen bleaching on the snow, for fear the hunted horse thief might get it, when he himself came up to her in the moonlight, begging her for a hiding place. She laid him in a half empty wheat bin, and the breathless moment of the story came when she upset the charm to keep Mistress ---- from going upstairs to investigate whether there were not mice in that bin. The other night I am reminded of is when our party went up Pike’s Peak. The few last trees stood like skeletons against the gray rocks as these leafless ones here do against the snow, and we seven persons, eight burros, and one poney filed silently and doggedly up the precarious trail like so many Indians.

A very wealthy aunt and uncle dined with us this noon. John (the chauffeur) says she is a fine cook. She complimented my dinner and manner of serving. I love to cook a good dinner, but “oh you cut glass and silver plate afterwards.” Guests again for supper, but I did not have to do anything to help. Went down a while ago to wash the dishes which had been cleared up. Broke my glasses Mon. - it is costing me $3 for a new lens - and I do not know yet how much to have it set in. Can't be done out here. Mr. B. is going to take it into the city for me. Will enclose the $3 for Basinger, also samples of dresses. Christmas wants as follows:

Good belt pin, inconspicuous.
Bar pin for ties, not too big.
Set (of 2 or 3) good baby pins.
Good pair of shears, unless mine can be found

Take your choice or select something altogether different. Have read all “Final Help Wanted Ads” in the paper today, Ruth, to get ideas for our summer. Hope the arm is still doing O.K.

Love from,
Grace