Will go to New York next week, then back here. Has been reading phone directories from various cities—L, K, and O in Minneapolis. Isabelle's sister Edith getting married. W. S. C. [Stout #266]
Appreciated the flowers when she left. Enjoyed meeting them. Willa Cather [Stout #804]
Gave Dr. Edward Starr Judd [of the Mayo Clinic] her mother's picture after he requested it twice.� Is including a copy of the inscription she wrote on it.� Is getting daily treatments on back and shoulder, and Dr. Judd provided special shoes.� Would be more rested if Death Comes for the Archbishop was less well-liked.� People are so kind, but sometimes it seems like it would have been easier to have had surgery than to see so many kind people.� Hopes to hear from her when she returns to New York on Wednesday. Willa
If last winter she was grouchy, it was only because her feet hurt. They are much improved, for the podiatrist in Rochester told her to wear only high heels. Helen Louise will think this is funny, as she was so embarrassed of the old shoes. Is sending a picture that is better than the one sent the day before—she is the only one who isn't bald! [Photograph is not now with the letter, but it was probably an image of Cather with the six older men who, along with Cather, received honorary degrees from Columbia University in 1928. See #1967]
Just arrived and will soon go to the [Mayo] clinic. The Kahler has been remodeled and is nicer than the Zumbro. Spoke at length about her with Elsie in Lincoln, and they decided that they will help out any time she wants to come. Will definitely be there herself if Elsie isn't able to arrange a year off. Lawn and shrubs of the yard are doing well. Is hiring Amos [?] to tend to the grass, and he and Floyd Twinnse [?] are going to plant tough zinnias where father had his flowers. The entire place will be pleasant and inviting, and Elsie's school is off in early June, so mother could return with Will Auld then. Lizzie is very willing to get the house in order. The Bishop and his wife think the house is lovely, and mother's friends want to see her again. Their devotion to mother is so touching; longs to return to Red Cloud herself—really! Mother should not despair, for she is better off than most her age, and her children are there for her. Aging is not easy, but her loving children and friends are committed to making her content. Willie
Has not seen Myra, who has been ill and traveling often. Trixie's illness adds her to a list of friends poisoned by penicillin. Would only accept the medication from an experienced physician, like those at Johns Hopkins or the Mayo Clinic in Rochester. Is not working much, though had productive time at Northeast Harbor, Maine, during the summer. Is focusing on fixing up her apartment since she delayed repairs during the war. Chairs were falling apart, but the upholsterer repaired them wonderfully. Has never been a careless bohemian artist! Marutha Menuhin sent thirty pounds of kitchen gear from San Francisco since it is more available on the west coast. Merry Christmas. Willa