Jan 20, 1949

Dear Mother,

I'll take time off to write you even though the work isn't all done.  Johnnie has been home from school yesterday and today.  He must have the flu for his head hurts and he coughs every breath - he always coughs with asthma so it is hard to tell just what is wrong with him.  So far none of the rest of us have gotten it.  I do hope the babies won't take it, for they are just now getting adjusted to sleeping and eating right.  For the last few days they have been almost perfect.  They only had to have one feeding last night and I was glad for it was our coldest night. The temperature was 26 degrees this morning.  The weather has been so mild here until now that the flowering quince in the front yard is a mass of blooms now.  It rained here over the weekend. and it looks as if the cotton will stay in the field - even the pretty days the Negroes don't pick though.  Some of the Mexicans came back yesterday (20 in all).  They had gone back to Texas over Christmas but they like the money they were making here.

We have some fresh meat for supper.  Ruel went past Hiram's and they were killing hogs.  It brought the whole liver, lipe, etc. from one hog.  Johnnie likes liver.  He doesn't have an appetite and it has been so hard to find something he would eat.

My jaw is about to get better.  He bruised the lip in pulling the tooth and where the skin was broken inside the mouth it was infected and sore.  I'll be glad when the work is finished but I know it will take three or four more trips.

I bought a new dress the other day I was in town.  It is a stripped cotton cord and I'll be ready for Spring maybe if I don't have much to wear now.  It is the first dress I've gotten that really has a new look to it.  It is a two piece dress.

I know Papa is glad he doesn't have to work these cold days.  I don't get out of the house much except to hang out clothes and bring them in.

Joe Lee is feeling so good today.  He has been playing by himself and has given little trouble.  I'm keeping my fingers crossed for its too good to last.

Hope all of you are well.

Love,

Mavis