July 2, 1942
Thursday Morning

Dear Emil:

I feel like a slacker not getting a letter off to you at least once in a while, but I let Becky tell you all the news from home while she was here.

So very glad to have your letter this morning.

It has been very hot here fro a few days and makes it so noticeable for it was cool enough for a fire on the hill for so long.

Becky will be down home Friday evening. We miss her so much this summer, and can't hardly wait for her to get home.

My first letter to her was returned from Pittsburg to the home address, saying she was not at 200 n. Bellefield. I guess they did not try to deliver the mail. Becky will be so disappointed that she had not heard from us this week.

The place on the hill is beautiful now, all the flowers are blooming and the grass is so nice and garden also.

The bees are fine (remember in Becky's letter to Emil, June 5, 1942 she mentions that her mother is ordering bee hives) and are not any trouble now, the first two weeks we had to feed them two pounds of sugar made into syrup a day, and that cut into the sugar supply a plenty. But they are on their own now and will repay the cost of the sugar many times.. maybe when we don't have any sugar (remember sugar was rationed during World War II). I have had no trouble working with the bees at all, but am always worried about getting stung. Dad is a interested in them as I am. We have them at the back of the garden under a maple tree, so we are not crossing their path of flight at any time. That way they don't get cross.

We had the ceiling or rather the attic space of the house insulated yesterday. That will make it warmer in winter and supposed to make it 15 degrees cooler in summer. Will tell you more about that after we have time to see what happens.

We are gong to spend July 4, in a very quiet way. It will be on the hill and maybe a watermelon or iced grape juice extra?

I have beans to can that day and will be very busy most of the time, but I am planning to have help from the family. Wish you were here to string beans.

The Dutchess is beautiful since she has lost all that light hair. She is such a rich brown. She had a rabbit chase last night. A little rabbit about as big as your fist was int he garden so we let her after it. She was so excited, but it got lost from her in the field across the road.

Dad brought an electric grass clipper for me to do the grass trimming with and it is a dandy. The grass is going to be very well barbered when I get it all gone over the first time. I worked out until after eleven last night doing the grass between the stepping stones out back.

Harry Paul is a dandy baby, spoiled so bad it is a shame, but I guess one learns on the first one. He wants to be outside and have some one carry him. He is gaining so nice now. Wanda is such a good mother. Really too good for Harry Paul doesn't get a chance to cry much, she is always doing something for him.

We are still very busy at the Office (Harry Ray Architect, ...12th. St., Garage Bldg., Wheeling, West Virginia). Would not be if we did not have defense work. All the architect's offices in town are closed for the duration but Farris and ours. We think we are very lucky and are so thankful for the defense work. Mr. Shaw from the other office (our used to be office) is helping us out down here. We miss Howard so much. We closed the other office the 1st of May, after all building was frozen except defense work.

The Boss is out in a conference and I am out of work for a minute (not looking for any just now).

We are wishing you the very best of good luck in your work. Put your all into it and everything will come out fine int he end.

We will be praying for the good Lord to be with you and care for you every minute of your work.

Loads of good wishes,

Becky's folks.