Letter from John Steinbeck's Mom December 8, 1932

Letter dated December 8th 1932. This letter includes John Steinbecks Mom updating John on what is happening in his home town and how she liked the New York Times Review of Pastures in Heaven. Thursday - December 8 - 32 My Dearest John: We received your Monday letter and have been thinking of you and planning to write - but it has been a very busy week - and the first of the month. We were shocked Saturday on going to ??? to learn that our very good neighbor and friend was very low. Mrs Burkingane had a stroke Friday morning and died Monday am. She never regained consciousness and didn't suffer at all. Ernest went over to her funeral but I couldn't go. I think it would be very nice if you could write him a little note. He is quote broken up. Of course, we sent flowers from all of the family. They built there when you were two and have been looking after the place ever since, ??? and Carroll and the children went over and stayed ten days in the cottage taking their own cots, bedding, cooking utensils, etc. They had a grand time and all feel better and Carroll told me the children never touched a book nor injured a thing. ???? new oil cloth on all the ??? Tables and dad painted all the chairs and it looked very attractive. I am glad that you had a very nice visit with Ms. Wagner and Ms Hebert. They were are very oldest friends in Salinas. Edith tells very good stories and is most interesting. Her family always said that she never sacrificed a good story for the truth. I feel sure you have seen Mary by now. She said that she was expecting you for dinner or hoping that you could come. I am glad that she doesnt have to move. It is so expensive. Esther is having a birthday dinner for Caroline on Tuesday.will go on ??? If it is ?? hand or not go and it is to be my favorite sweetbreads, too. I remembered the lovely baked ham dinner, Carol and you gave me at the cottage and am very appreciative. I am glad that you are getting enough from Ballon to feed you. but you must get ??? side for and other expo. I am glad that you are happy and you always know that there is the cottage to come to. I lent Mrs Humphreys my copy of Pastures of Heaven. She has put it in our book club. She telephoned me last night that she read it thourgh without laying it down and that she was coming to see me to tell me about it. She said that she thought the last chapter " a gem". That is what we thought. I liked the review in the NY Times very much. I am keeping all of them, of course. I hope that you are invited for Christmas dinner. We will go to Esther's if we do not go to Bert's which I hope that the weather will allow. I doubt if I am going to make any Christmas cooking this year. I have ??? left from last year. I will probably be too busy to make fruit cake or plum pudding. Think I'll let my daughters do it after this. I should have made my cake long ago. It isnt good for me anyway. Yes, Dear I am pretty well. Unfortunatly, I had two little spells when Mary was here. I cant get too tired and I am foolish when I do it. I have a woman for 1/2 day a week. My Mrs. Jensen got married grass windower who has to pay $50.00 to his ex wife and 2 children. He is much younger then Mrs Jensen and she has taken him to her ranch. This woman takes ??? for what Ms Jensen aid in ??? and always happy. Much Love - Hope that Tilly is Better. Mother Provenance: The Estate of John and Elaine Steinbeck