May 27-June 2
No church. Monday write to little Sis and Jabe. A visit from Uncle Bob. He brings Ma a present of some money
from Aunt Alice and Aunt Jane[ who live in Missouri.] Uncle Bob tells me Ellen left for her new home in
Fauquier County the Friday after her marriage. Friday Ma and I start out visiting. We dine with Cousin Isabella
and go in the morning to Orange Dale. While in town, Ma has her picture taken and Cousin Isabella and I do
some shopping for her. We have a nice time at Orange Dale. They are all so glad to see Ma. Come home
Saturday evening in such a hard rain. I met with a great loss while I'm away. Nearly all of my fine chickens at
one full swoop are carried off by those blood thirsty monsters, the rats. They played sad havoc with the
chickens that night. Sue lost nearly all of hers. I'm really disturbed about mine for they were out of danger and
were so handsome.