A half mile to the south of us, Mount Oread, upon which our house stands, becomes yet more elevated, and over the top of it passes the great California road. West of us also is a high hill, a half mile in the distance, with a beautiful valley lying between, while to the north-west there is the most delightful mingling together of hill, valley, prairie, woodland and river . As far as the eye rests, we see the humble dwellings of the pioneer, with other improvements. We sit with cloaks and bonnet on to keep warm, and sew a little. Have some calls.
Doctor brings from town our dinner, to save our going down.
It consists of slices of cold ham, cookies and doughnuts. We laugh at him because ho brought no bread, which is worth more than all. The hammering, the continual pounding of a dozen workmen is confusing, and we walk out upon the brow of the hill for quiet and rest. Our merriment over it will aid digestion, even though it be cake and ham. The windows are in.