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Monday, December 10, 2018

DAY 10 -- ANOTHER SKIMPY CHRISTMAS WITH INA




Well, “they say” you don’t have to answer a Christmas card  -- see – till next Christmas. It is more in the nature of a gift, so to speak, tho I’ve always hated not to do so. My way is to get a supply of New Year cards; then if I’m caught a few lines on the card fixes it or the card alone, see! -- Ina

 

The family awoke to a skiff of snow on the ground. Discussion ensued over whether Sadie should go to school. Farm children must be resilient, Ina argued. Going to school in all sorts of weather conditions was a part of the experience. Then Jack said he would be glad to carry her on horseback, which everyone agreed was the best solution.

While Ina argued for school attendance, she thought back to her own children and remembered how she taught Vance at home until he was eight for several reasons, one of which was that he was small for his age. (The Dobson children came in all shapes and sizes, Vance and Ethel being short and small-boned.)



In the afternoon, Jack hitched the wagon and carried Ethel to the schoolhouse for her appointment with Miss Johnson. Ethel was grateful for the ride because the morning’s moisture had turned the ground to mud. Since Jack was waiting, the meeting with the teacher was rather rushed, but Sadie had already shown Miss Johnson the play they had written out, and with the teacher filling in the gaps with songs and poems, the program quickly took shape. Ethel agreed to write out certain parts for the student actors to learn, and they would begin practice on Wednesday during the last hour of school. Ethel was invited to attend if possible.

The day had been overcast and gloomy – what Ina called a “dull” day, and now was quickly growing dark. Ethel thanked Jack for his willingness to provide transportation. Fact was, though, that at this time of year Farmer Jack wasn’t so busy that he couldn’t help out. As they passed the mailbox, he retrieved a nice stack of addressed mail, which they all knew were Christmas cards.

The family had a light supper of homemade chicken soup and bread. As soon as the dishes were done, they gathered around the table to open the Christmas cards and share the simple wishes for a blessed holiday season. Ina read the letters, which they all enjoyed whether or not they knew the writer personally. Sadie already knew that this time of togetherness would be one of her favorite memories forever. KW

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