Category Archives: Family matters

In which we discuss matters of the family.

Two stories by Poppy

Poppy frequently asks me to tell her a story, and I usually try to make up an adventure about a girl named Poppy and her brother Pete. This morning Poppy told me a couple of stories of her own, and I thought they were worth recording.

Once upon a time there was a girl named Poppy, and she was with her Mommy and Daddy, and she wanted a baby named Baby Addison, who was skinny. So her Mommy and Daddy took her to the grocery store, and Baby Addison was in a box. And they went up to the baby Addy, and they wanted a baby named Baby Addison, and she was in a box. And they wanted the right baby named Baby Addison, who had skinny hair. The baby lady brought Mommy and Daddy the right baby, who was named Baby Addison.

Lest you think we’re in the market for another child, Addison is the name of a friends’ baby.

I particularly enjoyed this story’s James Joyce-ian qualities. The second story has more of a Hemingway feel. It’s loosely based on some of the stories I’ve told Poppy, in which the kids ride their loyal puppies while they’re adventuring.

Once upon a time Pete was awake, and he rode on a puppy. But he didn’t know where to find Poppy, so he asked Mommy and Daddy. But Poppy was fishing, and she caught a fishy.

That’s the end.

"It seems mity lonesome to be off from all your people."

It’s snowing here, and Poppy and I have colds. Which means Rockford and I probably won’t be going away for a few days for our anniversary.

Oh well. At least I’m not off from all my people.

Aug. 8, 1918

“Dear Brother”

I now take the pleasure in writing you a few lines to let you know we are all well at this time. Hoping when this reaches your hands safe it will find you all well. Well Tom I have almost give up hopes of Pa ever riting to me any more. I rote to him time and a gain and have got no answer. I want to hear from him mity bad so I hope you will write and tell me how he is getting along.

Well brother you don’t know how much pleasure it would be to me to see you all. It seems mity lonesome to be off from all your people although I have friends by the score here it does not seem like kin folks. Well Tom, Dovie is married. She was married 2 weeks ago today. She married Mr. Richard Isom. He is a mity good Christian man. I am going to send you one of their pictures when I am sure you will get it. Give Elisabeth and the children my love and keep plenty for yourself.
Well Tom all the children can rite for them selves but Roy tell Rhoda Bella said she was going to send her some post cards. She said must she back them to her or you.

Well Tom I am still at work in the mill. I make $1.60 every day. I have been working there four years and the Boss has never said one cross word to me. I dont feel like I have got any Boss. It is a nice place to work. Dovie is married now Bella will have to keep house for me now. They are still here with me but are going to house keeping soon. He has got a good trade. He is a spinner in the spinning mill.

So as I guess you will get tired of reading this I will close for this time and if I get an answer to this next time I will write more.

So write soon
From your sister as every,
Mrs. John T. Smith
So good bye.

Uncle Jimmy

Rockford’s Uncle Jimmy was diagnosed with cancer a while back. At his most recent doctors appointment, they told him that it was more aggressive than they’d originally believed. He’ll be starting chemo soon. Please keep him in your prayers.