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409 Salmon Street, Portland, Oregon, January 7, 1909. My dear Uncle: I am just in receipt of some money from Mother
which she tells me is for a Christmas remembrance from you, and I thank you for it. I intend to use it toward buying a book
which I have been wanting for a long time, - The Prairie and the Sea, by Wm. A. Quayle. It is an out-of-doors book; full of
photographs. We are in the midst of the heaviest fall of snow we have had for years. The schools are closed, and the street
car service completely demoralized. Business is at a standstill, and I am at home this afternoon instead of at the office
as usual. The mercury has been around 12 above zero for three days, and as we are entirely unprepared for such severe weather
in this comparatively mild climate, we are all complaining loudly of the cold and snow. The sleigh bells are jingling, and
people are out in the most absurd rigs taking advantage of the snow for sleigh-riding. Mother writes me they are all well,
and that they enjoyed a very pleasant Christmas Day. I hope you also had a happy time, and that the reports you have from
Helen are good, and that you, as well as Wanda and her family are well. I received a pretty little calendar from Wanda. Wishing
you all a happy New Year, and with love to all, I remain, Your affectionate niece, Cecilia Galloway