Letter from Helen Muir to [John Muir], 1896 Jul 10.

Martinez Calif. July 11, 1896My Dear Papa,I got your nice letter yesterday aftenoon I was so glad to get it and to hear that you are a thousand miles nearer home for O/ you seemed a long way off before.This morning there was a thunder shower over our valley and we saw a great many flashes of lightning that I thought were very beautiful and I liked to hear the thunder roll. My poor little black kitten \u27Panther\u27 was so scared that he took a fit, and I was so sorry for him. We have not found any little dog yet.We, that is Wanda, Enid Bird, and I, went over to Uncle David\u27s house and then we climbed the east hill so we had a delightful walk and we heard a coyote and saw a09243 lot of squirrels. The hills are very dry now and there are hardly any flowers on them. Nearly all the apricots are gone.Fourth of July we did not ride to Martinez but staid at home and we girls climbed the big Oak by the fence and we took our lunch in a basket and ate it under a liveoak tree and we saw a big snake with black and white rings and we thought we had better run down to the house. Mama walked around the yard and watched we all the time and she felt better when we came in the house in the evening we saw some fo the fireworks and rockest int Martinez but could not see the best pieces for they weare beyond the hospital hill. we looked out from the hall window upstairs.Yesterday there came a letter for you from Mr. Lukins and little Lotty sent you a small letter thanking you for the pretty picture you sent her.It is just awful warm today and the flowerslook wilted and the muskitos are very disagreeable yesterday.Just now Mr. Firth brought a ltetter from you with the mica and the pretty little spyreas. How I wish I could be with you and so does Wanda.Aunt Margaret is pretty well.Wanda and I are so sorry that we never saw Grandma Muir.Do write often as you can Dear Papa. When you letters come I do not feel so lonesome.Your own little Helen