since I saw you last, and I find that Age is beginning to claim its rights, as I discover that I cannot accomplish as much in the same time as I could thirty years ago.
I think of you all every day almost (not excepting "old Black") and imagine you all seated in the cosy little Sitting Room around the stove (excepting "old Black") discussing the news of the day and wondering if there will be Ice enough this winter to fill the "Ice House." It really begins to look a little dubious, although I believe some Ice has been gathered here from the Ponds during the last cold "snap."
My health thus far during the winter has been generally good; we have had as yet very little cold weather and scarcely any Snow. I suppose in the Country you are obliged to substitute mud for snow.
I visit Cousin Peter's about once a week; they are as well as usual. Had I known two or three days before Christmas that it would be as pleasant and mild as it proved to be, I think I should have written your Papa to meet me at Woodburn Station on that morning.
I enclose the result of Mr. Shaeffer's experience in raising different kinds of Potatoes, thinking perhaps your Papa may wish to avail himself of it before I see him. I did not receive it until after my last visit to the Country.
Oh! how I long for the time when I can write your Papa, "Please meet me at Woodburn on Saturday next, etc., etc." I like Springtime in the Country, with its Green Fields and Trees, and Singing Birds, and particularly its necessary accompaniment, "Warm Weather."
I hope you will ratify and confirm my proposed arrangement by writing soon and very often to your most affectionate Old Uncle.
