Open Writing

September 13, 1922

Dearest Rosy,

It seems to be so long ago since you left and then you never wrote to me for so long and I was worried and everything, wondering if you were all sick or kidnapped or some such.

I stuck out the second term of summer school alright and made three A’s. I don't know how it ever happened. I think I must have had a pull somewhere.

Got home a week ago Sunday and oh boy, they sure did put me right to work too. We had a gang of twenty to cook for most of the time. I guess the Mrs. was kind of disgusted with me too.

Alice gave me a line about how the Mrs. is always bawling the kids out and Pa getting after Cealie etc. and it made me so mad. I couldn't help but act ornery as the dickens because I sure felt it.

Then the Mrs. told me about how they changed things and Gertrude was going back to the Academy and Ceal was going to Sioux City instead.
I didn't know just what to say but I told them that I thought you were counting on Gertrude. Then too I thought changing schools would probably bring up difficulties for both. Then I finished by saying, “That was what I think about it. I don't care.”

She said it wouldn't do me much good because Pa had his mind made up and wouldn't change it.

I didn't say anything but it made me so mad and most of the time I was home I felt so ornery. One day she said it wouldn't hurt me to work because I wouldn't be there long or something like that and I said, "Well I'm glad of it too."

"Well, Annie,” she said, “Aren't you ashamed of yourself?"

“No,” I said, “I'll be glad to get away.” She was quite peeved.

The threshing crew left for Jack's place Sunday morning. They threshed Sunday, and most everyone else did too. Then Dad took us to church and they brought me out here after services.

Gertrude has been at the Academy a week today. She expected to see me Saturday or Sunday but Pa was in such a rush we never stopped. When I called her up Monday she said her nose was still red from weeping. I don't know whether she was just fooling or whether she meant it but I felt so sorry for her. I guess she misses the liberty she had when she was with you. I talked to her tonight and she said she liked her subjects and her teachers so that'll help some.

We had it kind of planned out that Cealie would leave for Sioux City Saturday morning and that if I possibly could get to town I'd go with her as far as Oakes. Anyway I'll likely find out for sure and then let you know when she’s coming.

Today Gertrude said Cealie thinks you don't want her because you haven't written. The poor kid, she sure is snotty as the dickens sometimes but I don't think she will be so much so anywhere else. I'm sure I'd be as bad or worse if I were in her place.

It seemed good to get back here to my home with the Thoms - I like them so much but I wish I’d like my school better though.

Love to Julius and the babies

Anna