lot of squirrels. The hills are very dry now and there are hardly any flowers on them. Nearly all the apricots are gone.
Fourth of July we did not ride to Martinez but staid at home and we girls climbed the big Oak by the fence and we took our
lunch in a basket and ate it under a liveoak tree and we saw a big snake with black and white rings and we thought we had
better run down to the house. Mama walked around the yard and watched we all the time and she felt better when we came in
the house in the evening we saw some fo the fireworks and rockest int Martinez but could not see the best pieces for they
weare beyond the hospital hill. we looked out from the hall window upstairs. Yesterday there came a letter for you from Mr.
Lukins and little Lotty sent you a small letter thanking you for the pretty picture you sent her. It is just awful warm today
and the flowers look wilted and the muskitos are very disagreeable yesterday. Just now Mr. Firth brought a ltetter from
you with the mica and the pretty little spyreas. How I wish I could be with you and so does Wanda. Aunt Margaret is pretty
well. Wanda and I are so sorry that we never saw Grandma Muir. Do write often as you can Dear Papa. When you letters come
I do not feel so lonesome. Your own little Helen.