20 January 1919

Dear Don

Don't you love a pencil written letter? Anything written on the fly this week. Gosh everybody's sick and last night I dreamed all my ribs were borken so I guess I'm supposed to be laid up, too. Seven teachers were out of school Friday and they are getting along all rite and a bunch more. A form of the flu but nothing serious.

A bunch of us went sleigh riding yesterday. It was a grand day and I felt I needed a breath of fresh air. Edythe went over to Gilbert but she came stepping home early - said she got homesick. Gosh she's one grand peach to me. Sat night she manicured my nails, gave me a facial, combed out my hair and gave me an alcohol rub. She wants me to go home with her and stay all summer but I'm going to take her to M.C. first if I have to get a room at the Eureka!

My call bell just rang - 6 short rings- pause & 2 short. I was wanted at the phone by the grocery man. We all have a call and Mr. Lunn can get us any time his little heart desires. He makes me sicker than ever but he has left me pretty much alone this year. He was snooping around my pantry the other day and I hope he ran into some dead mice.

There's been absolutely no excitement teach & fool around home. Sat p.m. nearly broke my back unpacking groceries which I bought wholesale for the club. That business of feeding the motley gang and keeping the bills paid and good help hired gets monotonous, but I get my board so thats making me money. Lunn told me I couldn't do it all the time cause I would be making too much money. They had to take it before the school board cause we aren't according to our contracts sposed to be earning any money on the side. But the Board didn't give a darn and no one else wanted the job. I'll admit it isn't worth it in the long run cause for a while the worry and all nearly tired me to death. Since I've moved up to the Hotel tho I don't mid ita nd I don't get so tired.

I plan all the meals and do all the ordering, figure the bills and hire the help, tend to the laundry etc. Believe me I'l not do charity work for a bunch of teachers who don't give a darn so as long as I get pay I'll do it. Our board averages $25 per month and I'm going to try and get it lower. But we pay 70 cts doz for eggs, 60 cts # for butter, 1.00 qt for cream so you can see I have a bunch. We now have 25 board members and some five or six who come in extra at noon. I also have the hot lunch at noon for the school kids - about 20 kids take it - soup, cocoa, deserts, etc. My work during school hours is E.Z. tho.

No I've never heard from Ruth. I wrote her asking her to send me was was coming to me. Isn't she the limit?

The last I heard from Dad was Dec. 9, but I haven't answered his letter only to send him the Am. Mgz. for Xmas.

The winter has been so warm this year, to warm to be healthy.

Gotta quit now cause I've had my class studying and we are ready to recite on Quick Bread and Table Service.

I lost your address last time hence sent the letter to Funston.

Write often,

Love, Leone

Jan. 20, 1919