Exploring the attic

(1954 Fall)

Yes, the [new] house [33 S. Grove St.] is wonderful, isn't it? You know, Skip, it has always been a dream of Daddy's (or objective) to have a nice home - to get one I would be happy with. You know some of our struggles along the way, not all. Then so many things in between - family troubles, my sickness with big bills, yours, Daddy's, your education. But now quick in a rush before Maggie has college bills we're going to have the house. And it will be beautiful! By the way, this is a silly whim - but don't let on to the relatives. They know we are "doing a little fixing" but not what.

The stairs to the attic is done now and we find generations of hornets in the rafters. It is enough to discourage a less doughty person than I, but having won out over flying squirrels and cockroaches, rats, mice, and almost over crickets, I am not too set aback. The attic floor waves up and down because the hand-hewn joists are uneven.