#archimedes ames

[antiquatedplumbobs]

Spring 1905

Dear Papa,

I’ll keep this note brief, as my heart is quite heavy today. Yesterday evening, Archimedes passed away. He seems to have gone to sleep, and just didn’t wake up. We found him by the front stoop, in one of his favorite places to lay.

Hamish and the boys buried him in the corner of the pasture by the large maple, they even found a large stone to mark the spot and Freddy etched his name into it. It’s a peaceful little spot, a sunbeam hits it in the morning. He always enjoyed laying in them so that brings me comfort.

I am a bit more torn up about this than I would like to admit, he was just a cat, but he was the my longest companion, I have known him longer than Hamish. I know that it was his time to go, he had gotten quite silver about the whiskers, but I still find myself shedding tears when I see his stone.

Elsie has also been quite torn up about his death, I hate to see one so young experience that, both of the boys had Archimedes as a companion when they were her age, but he was really too old for that.

I know that grief has already struck me in so many ways, but in some ways this is the first time it has taken an old friend. I do hope you are well, we will try to come visit this spring.

Yours lovingly,

Violet

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[antiquatedplumbobs]

Winter, 1901

Dearest Papa, 

I hope that you are keeping warm out on the isle, it has been quite cold here, I shudder to think at how biting the winds have been out there. I know you will say that a small sea breeze never hurt an old salt like you, but you are getting up there in your years and I want you to take care of yourself. 

We have been well here, the boys are both off at the schoolhouse most days, leaving Hamish and I alone in the house for the first time since we were newlyweds. We often spend time by the fire together, him reading his agricultural periodicals and me knitting. It reminds me of what it was like before Willy was born. I am enjoying the solitude, as I know it won’t last for that much longer, but Hamish seems to be growing antsy, he enjoys working with his hands so much I think the winter quiet is getting to him. 

I’m quite a few months along now, Hamish has been keeping a very close eye on me and trying to keep my from pushing myself too hard. I know he worries about me after the last pregnancy. We are excited, but I must admit it is a more cautious excitement than previously.

Winter has meant that I don’t have quite so much to do, and I am able to spend much of my time knitting by the fireside. It seems there is a never-ending need for stockings in this house. I’ve also knitted a few more small woolens for the baby. Archimedes, also daunted by the snow and cold has been keeping my company, often sleeping at my feet as I knit. As a result he’s been getting more belly rubs than he might normally.

With more time on his hands Hamish has been spending what he can with the boys. The weather has kept them mostly cooped up inside and he’s taken to helping the boys with their schoolwork and teaching them cards, I know he loves spending time with them, but I do also think he’s trying to keep them out of my hair. He seems to have had words with them about helping out around the house as well, as they have been doing many more chores than usual, although Freddy does get a little distracted when feeding the chickens…

All my love, 

Violet Sewell

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[antiquatedplumbobs]

Summer 1893

Dear Papa, 

We have been very busy around the farm this summer, lots of new additions. Hamish was finally able to finish my chicken coop and we have a lovely flock of rhode island reds now. It has been a delight to have the fresh eggs, they’re producing so many that we are able to sell the extras for a small income. 

With that extra money and Hamish’s carpentry odd-jobs we have been able to purchase a dairy cow, the paddock doesn’t seem quite so empty now with her in it. We are calling her Flora, she is a calm, placid cow and already a fine milk producer, Hamish is hoping to have enough to purchase several more soon. It is lovely to have fresh milk, particularly with a small, growing boy about. 

Willy is a good natured little boy, he is growing so fast he’s already toddling around the place. He’s very independent, and mostly able to keep himself occupied while we are busy with chores (sometimes he even tries to help, particularly with the laundry, he enjoys splashing in the tub immensely). He and Archimedes are fast friends and I count myself lucky to have a child that is not constantly clinging to my skirts. Hamish is so excited that he is growing larger and they play together often. 

However, like all little people, he does have his limits, and there is nothing quite like a toddler melt-down to get you to drop the laundry and attend to their needs immediately. 

I hope that all is well on the isle and that you are taking care of yourself. 

Your loving daughter, 

Violet

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[antiquatedplumbobs]

Spring 1890

Dear Aunt Faith, 

It saddened me that you were not able to attend my wedding, since Mama is gone it would have been nice to have you there, Papa was as stoic as a bear, although I think I saw a small tear shed. It was a lovely ceremony, even if it was raining, I am overjoyed to finally be married to Hamish. We have moved into our own little home, Sable Farm, it is on the outskirts of Brindleton, not far from his parents. It is a very old farmhouse, the previous owners were quite elderly and have no children to leave it to, Hamish has purchased it with a bank loan (which he assures me we will easily pay off after several favorable harvests). The inside is quite old and in need of many repairs. However, it is a strong house and after some cleaning, and new paint I believe it will be a wonderful little home for us. 

Archimedes seems to be adjusting to life here rather well, there is a basket by the fire for him and believe he should be a great help with the mice problem. 

Yours truly, 

Mrs. Violet Sewell

P.S. Hamish insisted on carrying me over the threshold, it was quite silly, but oh I do love him Aunt. 

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