My dearest Hal,

I have just finished picking five gallons of black berries. I went last Friday and picked four gallons. We put fourteen qts. In the locker and ate a few. I wanted some more so we could make some jelly so I went again this morning. I always start at 6:00 o’clock in the morning so I can get started while it is cool. I usually pick until about 10:30 and if I’m having any luck at all I will be ready to come home and have all the berries I want by that time. There is a grand crop of berries this year through there were not very many strawberries or raspberries, and we like them so much [we decided] to put in the locker. Mother is going to help me make some jam and jelly so I can have some to take with us when you come home. I am counting on having a chance to use it for us, you and Sam and me.

Ruth R. went with me this morning. She got as many berries as I did. There were plenty to pick, and they were nice and big. Sam wanted to go with me, but he went out to the lake yesterday and got a touch of sunburn. He is not much burned but I thought briar scratches wouldn’t add to his comfort so I left him asleep. He loves the outdoors just like his daddy does, and my you are going to be busy when you get here because Sam has so many things planned for you to do.

I think I wrote [to] you that I had a birthday present for you. I had hoped you were going to be here so I could give it to you before this. Since that hasn’t worked out I think I will tell you what it is and find out if you would like me to send it to you.

It is an Eversharp pen. I hope it is a good one. Anyway, I like it very much but I have refrained from using it for fear I would become very much attached to it and hate to give it up. I can send it to you by airmail if you wish. I should hate to have anything happen to it, because pens are extremely hard to get. I know the one I sent you is a very trifling pen, and you could probably use this one to good advantage. If you know anything definite about coming you can write me whether to keep the pen or send it on to you.

Sam is invited to a birthday party again today and I must stop [writing] to get him ready. These parties are hard on Mother’s pocket book especially since I bought our 12^th bond and it left me with nine dollars. Oh well, July is half gone and we can make out until Aug. 1, I hope.

Darling, I haven’t heard for more than a week. I hope the good word is “coming”, coming soon! We are both so anxious for you to get here.

all my love,

Paige