1928-11-21 From Martha to her brother & sister Albert and Olufine Solberg (Ltr36)

Nestun,
Nov.21 - 1928

Dear Sister and Brother -

Many thanks for the letter that I have received a long time ago, you must have believed that you would not ever have heard anything more from me. No!, I have not forgotten how to write, but always there is something coming in-between, so it just don't work. But now I have to address myself in earnest, and send you some words so that you can hear how we live. Firstly, we are in good health during this time, which is the best thing. Otherwise, all things are the same. There was little hay and potatoes this year, and bad weather throughout the summer, and now it looks as if the winter will also be cold and hard. Yes, now it's soon Christmas time again; it is unique how fast time goes by and as long as we are in good health, that is (even) better. Any news?; I do not know much of that.

Jella? Furebotten has had a son now this autumn; I was down with "Rymmegraut" (porridge) and eggs to her. We are now still here in Myrdalen (Moor valley) , but it is sad because he doesn't want to maintain the houses. The chances? are, as far as we have heard, that they will sell the place here and sow further up in spring, but every day may now drag it's companion. [She's using an old Norwegian saying, unknown today, but in rhymes it implies that plans are not necessarily effected at once]

You are doing well, I hope. How are you doing, Fina, I have heard that you are going to marry, but is it true? You must write, so I can hear (if it's true). I should have told you that the sheep we became each had two lambs, so we became 6 this autumn, with only one ram (male lamb).

I am always busy, so much work during the days, since we are so many. Dagny and Ol? (Olga?Olav?) goes to school, Anna has not started yet.Dagny will stop (going to school) in summer, she shall write a letter to you during Christmas. Now I shall send greeting to you from all of us. Ingolf says I shall ask Uncle (Albert) if he can have permission to come over to him, because here there is nothing to do. So you are greeted with a merry Christmas from us, and the most from your sister

Martha.

Write in not such a long time, do not let so much time pass as I did. You asked me if I would not have any small ones any more now, and I thought so myself also, because Olav will be 5 years this spring, but it does not look like it.

Adjø [Norwegian goodbye, from French A Dieu! Go with God] < br> Live well.
Write to me.