Fjalster, Tuna, Kalmar Lan February 24 1923

Dear Cousin Irene:

First I want to wish you and yours a Happy New Year. Many thanks for your letter received some time ago and now it is none too soon that I answer. It was not nice of me to delay so long in replying. You were right to ask if I had forgotten you, but dear one, do not believe it. I hope, in any case, that you will overlook my neglect. It is such a pleasure to hear something from you once in a while, that you cannot believe.

We hope you are all in good health. We are all well, but papa was sick for a while. Now he has his health back after suffering with prolonged influenza which bothers him every winter. How is Uncle Karl getting along? Is he remarried or is he alone? I read in Anton's letter from you that Clarence now has a little boy. That must have been a happy event. By now you must have gotten your money. How much was it in Swedish and American coin when it got to you? Perhaps it did not amount to very much.

I see from your letter that you earn 300 kronor a month. That amounts to 3600 kronor a year. Here they would have to have a good education and experience to earn such a salary.

What kind of a winter are you having? Here we have an extra Nordic one. Had no snow previously until now but this is a blizzard.

Now I must close and hope you will write soon. Best wishes to Uncle and Clarence and his family from us. And to you, my dearest, greetings from your humble cousin,

HILMA (Sjoblad)