late summer 1870?

TO: Louise and Frances Norcross
FROM: ED

. . . Mother drives with Tim to carry pears to settlers. Sugar pears with hips like hams, and the flesh of bonbons. Vinnie fastens flowers from the frosts. . . .

Lifetime is for two, never for committee.

I saw your Mrs. H------. She looks a little tart, but Vinnie says make excellent pies after one gets acquainted.