31 Rosey is working away at fancywork on the verandah

Elsinore

27 Spring St

Balmain

Feb 9th 1918

28th letter (I will keep indicating Maria's count, though this is actually the 31st letter she wrote)

My dear darling Norman,

 I am writing earlier this week for I am going away tomorrow for a few days so might not have time again before the mail goes.

I am going up to Orimbah, you know where you and I were to go to my old friend's place. She let her daughter Rose come down yesterday to take me up tomorrow so will go for a few days. Although I  would sooner be here on Sunday for they are going to unveil Stan King's photo and I have asked Mr Gooud to come to tea Sunday but I will see him tonight and tell him. 

I must go now, she has come for me. Well Norm dear, your parcel has come for me. The boat was 3 to 4 weeks in Melbourne then she came to Sydney last Friday or Saturday and up to Cockatoo dock. She came out last yesterday, so I suppose the Officer had not time to call and posted it last night. I was longing to see him and have a yarn about your voyage, but missed that pleasure.

Thanks dear Norm very much for the brooch and the ring is very pretty, but don't think it will fit Illma. I don't know whether it will fit Eileen or not, it is very small but very pretty. I think the necklet is very uncommon. Eileen will be quite pleased with it and thanks for all the books and things. I must show some of them to Mr Manning. We got 3 or 4 papers from you, but had none for some time. Have you sent any lately?

Well Norm, how do you like your new billet? It must be an honour conferred on you, but suppose you are among strangers again and won't have a chance of seeing any of the old boys. I suppose you can take a run up and see them, now and again.

I didn't think there is anything strange from last week to report. We have had nearly a week of rain but the weather is nice now, but too warm. I suppose you have it as cold, they say it is very cold in France. What are your duties now? I do wish that that officer, had called, to have a talk to. I will send sister's ? address I got in a letter from Aunt Maggie today. I also had one from Aunt Mary. She says she had 3 letters from Clarry last mail. He is splendid now, and daughter Gertie has another bonny son. more power to the person?? Young Freddie is  ?? away  

Well my dear son, I don't think I can find any more news this time. Rosey is working away at fancy work on the verandah and I am here writing. The chooks are well and we all are and hoping you are the same. Pa sends best love and with heaps of love and kisses to my own smiley faced Norman,
from his loving Mother.