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Erie, Pa.,
Saturday, November 10, 1927.

Another week gone and the battle roaring on--this battle of Life! The leaves are gone now and the world is rather bare. But the sunset sky is still scarlet and gold--the full moon makes the night silvery and wonderful. The wind moans in the darkness--fierce storms whip the lake into fury. And the great river of human life flows on between its varied shores. Am I a piece of bark tossed at will upon this mighty stream or am I able to guide my life whence I will? This is one great question I ask now. My happiness is perhaps my dissatisfaction, for such spurs a man on to do great things; I love Willie very dearly--she is the dearest, the sweetest, and the best. Sitting here listening to Willie's playing--the appealing high notes of a Spanish waltz--the lovely runs, the strains that call to all that is fine within me--calling, calling, appealing for what is best, for all that might blossom forth and give something worthwhile to the world. Ah, for the power to write a great story of life. God, I pray I may start now! What shall it be? A novel telling a tale of life, showing it at its best, showing what we should strive for.

[[underlined]] To Mother, November 13, 1927: [[/underlined]] The Fritschners have taken an apartment on Douglas Boulevard, which is the street on which "Uncle Walter and Aunt Annabel" live. The apartment is one of the modern variety, with janitor service, Frigidaire, shower-bath, etc. I believe it has only two bedrooms, Carrie planning to leave them because Mrs. Fritschner doesn't mind taking care of a small place.

[[underlined]] To Mother, November 16, 1927: [[/underlined]] Last evening we called on the Henshaws and found them still very much unsettled since some of their furniture is coming from Vermont and they are afraid the floods are delaying its arrival..However, they were as gracious and natural as though they were established in a mansion instead of a partly furnished apartment and we had a very pleasant visit, which was wound up with a cup of tea and cake. In the past, I never found myself drawn to Henshaw very much but am now finding him very pleasant and his wife is lovely. I'm so glad for Willie's sake that we can know them. For all the wealth that's in Henshaw's family (his grandfather is a vice-president and former treasurer of the Company), he is very practical and has none of the characteristics of the sons of wealth--drives an old Ford, wears a sheepskin coat, none too stylish clothes, but is very refined and interesting. ...... We have a proposition for electrifying the entire main line of the New York Central from New York to Buffalo. If that pans out, which it will undoubtedly someday, Syracuse will be automatically electrified. I am glad they've finally reached a decision on the grade-crossing elimination project. I'm convinced that this railway electrification game is a great one to be in. How lucky I am to be able to get into it. It is fascinating.