Can't make any engagements during the Christmas season as three family members will be with her. To be honest, will not make any engagements until March. Was lazy during the summer but is working well now and must avoid interruptions. Spontaneous things are all right, but planned engagements clutter her calendar and her mind. Maybe they can meet for tea when she is out for a walk in Central Park? Willa Cather [Stout #810]
Appreciates the green tomato condiment. Willa Cather [Stout #1031]
Sorry to hear of her father's death. Has been in splints for torn tendon that became inflamed. Has to see doctors twice a day. Will hope to talk with her soon. Willa Cather [Stout #1221]
Doesn't like pictures like this, in the Grant Wood style, on Christmas cards, but bought them to help someone. Might think of the cowboy-looking shepherds as C.C.C. fellows [Civilian Conservation Corps, a New Deal initiative] and one of the angels above as President Roosevelt. W. S. C. [Stout #1346]
Has found her last two years' Christmas cards very interesting, though the one last year was rather dreadful. Keeps it in the Michelet volume on the Dark Ages. Glad that she, a southerner, likes the new book. Spent a pleasant Christmas in the French Hospital, where the director is an old friend. Willa Cather [Stout #1526]
Has tried to reach her by telephone without success. Has received the book she sent about French settlement in the U.S. Would be impossible to write a book about every such settlement. Anyway, impossible to write successfully just from information. Willa Cather [Stout #1735]
Enjoyed the spring issue of The Idol, which is very lively. Errors from the French exams were too good to be true. Had tea with his mother today. P.S.: Plans to investigate F. W. Croft. Willa Cather [Stout #1764]
Has neglected to answer his letter with story of Virginia's tooth, which she told to all of her New York friends. Quickly came west because the University of Nebraska presented her an honorary Doctor of Letters on their fiftieth anniversary commencement. Edith Abbott, who works with Jane Addams, also got one. The two of them were the first women ever to receive such degrees from the University. John Neihardt also received the award, and the Doctor of Laws was given to Theodore Roosevelt, Roscoe Pound, and General John J. Pershing. Elsie was already there, but father drove to Lincoln for the sole purpose of attending the ceremony. So sweet of him! Barnard McNeny also attended. Was happy to see her old teachers so proud of her. Only twelve or so women have received honorary degrees in the U.S., most of them educators, like Alice Freeman Palmer and Jane Addams. Any chance there would be someplace to rent in Lander between July 15 and August 15? She and Edith Lewis are thinking that when Edith comes west, they may go to Wyoming. Couldn't stay with at his house, as Edith doesn't like visiting. At $5 a day the Amoretti ranch seems overpriced. Unfortunately, getting the degree meant that she never was able to shop for new dresses for the twins as she intended. Will get them New York dresses soon. P.S. Father and Elsie are doing well. Willie.
