My dearest Calvinus

Many, Many happy returns of the day! The number of years I have ceased to remember [seeing/receiving??] my old number is so very near. I am beginning to think it is a mistake to even remember with letters to maintain occasions.

We were glad to hear that you are having a chance to rest a bit before commencing your preaching but don't lie round too much or you will become too fat my dear.

Your carmel will get started one of these days but it has been so cold we were afraid of the contents freezing.

Yesterday we had Mr. Whiting of Centenary to preach for us. He yelled and shrieked till we were nearly finished. Deliver me from some of these Methodists. Mr Ketchum seemed very mild in the evening.

the violets and daffodils are up. I wish you could see them.

We had quite an epistle from Tom, in which he told us he had walked from Elk Lake to [Gois Jander??] and back a distance of 66 miles. I wonder how he felt seeing as he was never very fond of walking. I think there must have been a chance of some ["spoof"??] behind it.

We expect him the end of May. Well my dear as news is scarce and we are pretty busy I must close.

One of these days we will all have to join and give you a grand celebration for the first of May.

With much love and hoping you will take good care of yourself

Your loving sister

Touser [Hilda]