It’s just about time to ring in 1914, but you’re not really in the festive spirit for parties or even a small dinner with friends. You’ve travelled the globe, eaten so many strange-looking foods, slept in tents and huts and out under the stars. None of that stopped you from doing what you liked. And now that you’re back in the States? You, the mighty explorer, have been felled… by a common cold.
In a vain attempt at being productive you’ve decided to organize all of your Christmas cards and New Year’s greetings. However, your dedication to the task is waning and it doesn’t take much for you to get engrossed in a Christmas letter from your dear friend, (DW):
Dear (Your Name),
I hope this letter finds you well and resting at home though in this season of joy (and colds!) I expect you are in bed with a hot water bottle – just like you always used to be when we were girls! I must…
…And now I must tell you all about the family –
DH has finally agreed to retire! The whole family is so pleased. His health isn’t what it used to be and the doctor says it would be good for him to rest for a while. I’m looking forward to spending more time with him… though I’m not quite sure what he’s going to do with himself now that he has time on his hands!
DD1 and her husband welcomed yet another set of twins to their brood this past September. I have no clue how she gets anything done with six under ten running about. And do you know what (DD1's husband's name) did to celebrate the boys’ birth? He bought one of those noisy automobiles! Why, DD1 is nearly as distrustful of those machines as I am!
DD2 and her family have moved into a new apartment at 35 West (type of tree) Street, apartment 5B. The boys have painted their room (color) while the girls insisted on (color) and (color) stripes.
DS1 recently earned a promotion. In his new position as (you pick a promotion for the occupation you rolled) he is looking forward to (you pick).
DS2’s father-in-law has officially handed his (DS2’s occupation) business/store to DS2 and his wife, (DS2’s wife). The two of them enjoy running it day to day.
DD3 got a job (part-time) at the local library. Ever since her husband quit his job and entered medical school, even a little bit extra income has helped them get by. He’s hoping to (pick a field of medicine for him to go into – remember, this is 1913!).
DS3, on the other hand, has just exited his pharmacy course at university. He’s now a full-fledged pharmacist with a wonderful wife, beautiful daughter, and a bright future.
DD4 is still as exuberant as you remember, even at 15. I love her spunk, but some of the things she does are a little… heedless. She’s still in correspondence with that young tutor and I know he’s a positive influence on her. However, she has also begun a correspondence with his young pupil – a senior university student named First (Disney hero) Middle Last (Starts with G). Her father and I are a little worried that she’s infatuated with him. He’s far too impulsive to be a role model. But, then again, that’s probably why they get along so well.
…sic part of letter…
Love,
DW
The LN Family
DH & DW (1850 & 1864)
DD4 (1898)
DD1 (1880)
DH: (1873) occupation:
DD: (1904)
DS: (1906)
DS/DS: (1910)
DS/DS: First Middle/First Middle (His mother's maiden name)(1913)
DD2 (1881)
DH: (1882) occupation:
DD: (1905)
DS/DS/DS: (1907; 1907-1907)
DD: (1910)
DD: First Middle (Biblical) (1912)
DS1 (1883) occupation:
DW: (1893)
DD: (1910)
DS: Named after his father (1911)
DS2 (1886) occupation:
DW: (1886)
DD: (1908)
DS: [/b (1910)
DD: First (Biblical) Middle (honors DS2's twin) (1912)
DD3 (1886)
DH: (1883) occupation:
DD: (1903 -1904)
DD: (1908)
DS: (1910)
DS3 (1890) occupation: pharmacist
DW: (1892)
DD: First Middle (1912)
*****
[b]Next stop - 1918!