18 October 1918
My dear Don:
Yes I am ashamed of not writing oftener but I don't seem to ever get my thots concentrated enuf to write.
Betty (Ruth’s daughter) is the cutest thing you ever saw and everyone says she looks just like Don. When I asked her where Don is she starts to whine and says “Var”.
Did you know that Dean Sundell married the Davenport girl. He had a wedding all the Sundells went from here. I wonder why he isn't in the service.
Bill Boyd and Ralph Miley get first sergeant stripes this week. They have been in non-commissioned officers school.
This influenza is sure awful, but I'm not going to worry myself into getting it. The town is quarantined and they are taking all precautions against spreading it. Bess Mudgett from the bank has it.
Do you hear from Git (?) Huage? I have asked you before where Mickey is. Do you know?
Yes Harold got the $10 and dad got hold of the letter. I guess he spends most of his time playing Sherlock Holmes when I'm gone.
We danced at the country club last Wednesday night and had a box social. Mine sold to Ralph Decker for $3. It was worth about 30 cent. Evelyn M. has had to give up going to France because her father is there. She was so disappointed. I'm sorry for her.
We had frog legs for dinner and I had to do most of the eating. You can imagine how they taste it to Harold (Ruth’s husband).
Kusshmans are packing up preparatory to going to California. I hate to see Esther go for good. She thinks so much of Betty. Esther has been selling tickets at the Bijou for living. Get rich quick scheme.
Coila F. is sure good help. She can do more in a minute then Esther could in a week and Betty likes her awfully well now.
The Owl (?) club is to have four informal dances this winter. I am sure I never could afford a party dress had they had formal ones. I don’t have much pep to dance anyway.
Harold is writing to Leone tonight so I will write some night later.
Helen Jackenbush (?) was just here looking for a lost wrist watch. War will have no terrors in comparison to what Reno will give her if it's gone.
Deckers have moved Ditz’ barn and it looks nice over there. They are going to have beautiful grounds when completed.
Don you should see Bruce Grippen [sic]. He has tuberculosis of the bone or something of the sort and he is just a shadow of his former self. He rides at great deal in the car but I guess that is about all he gets out. It would shock you to see him.
Don, Ed Clark and his mother have it in their heads to have Ed make Deke, now why is that? Do you know any and are you especially crazy over them? Don't tell anyone I told you for Mrs. C. made me swear I wouldn't tell. I am sure Ed son’t be bid Deke for I have read some of his letters. He is a conceited ass, all right but it is his mother's fault. His father has his marbles alright but of course Mrs. Clark wouldn't believe any of it. I wonder if I'll be as blind to Bob's faults (Ruth’s son) as she is. I know he is a regular little devil now. I wish you were home to straighten him out. I'm afraid I'm going to waste paper too for news is getting scarce.
The boy just went by selling extras with more peace talk. I wish it would all end. I hope and pray it will before you have to go across. Isn't that selfish? I will try not to wait so long before writing again.
Lots of love, Ruth
