May letter February 1920

As I type this letter of Aunt May's, I try to envision her sitting at a desk at a friend's home, a "bungalow",  in India. I wonder about things such as smells, temperature, sounds from the home, was she at a window? a desk?  was it dark yet? what were the Strongs doing as she wrote her letter home?  what was their relationship?, etc.

At least when I try to envision my great grandparents environment, I can visualize their home and the boarding school.  I was there.

Baroda Feb 6th 1920
Another week has gone by on wings, and I am sitting down again for weekly chat, this time in Mrs. Strong's bungalow as I'm here for dinner.  My sports are day after tomorrow and I'm up to my ears in work.  I will send you a programme.  I am sending you by next week's mail darling the where-withal to settle for the rubber bandage and ointments you had to get for your poor leg.  I was so sorry to hear you were laid up with it.  It must be very tiring to have to stay in all the time instead of being able to have your customary trots around.  Get well soon.  Spring will soon be upon you now and I suppose the snowdrops will be out in the gardens and the almond blossoms on the commons.  With us the "Spring" (Vasanti) is already here and the hot weather will be beginning in about a month, but the nights are still cold and today I wore my warm coat in the house till nearly eleven.  I'm so sorry, please tell Storton (?) that I missed his birthday, so will send through you, belated though very warm wishes for many happy returns.  Good bye dearest Dad.  Very much love to all from, May

Snowdrops must be an indication of spring everywhere ~ and crocus.  But almond blossoms in Spokane, I'm afraid not!


I am sure the above word Vasanti is how it was spelled in May's letter.  I wonder if it is Hindi or Muslin. I'm not sure on the Storton spelling.  I looked at a family tree thingie and didn't see any family to whom it might apply.  So..a mystery.  I can't envision my great grandfather in a "customary" trot.

While in England, I do believe my father and I did see the "commons" to which she referred. Their boarding school set off to a side of it.  The school still stands.  I have no idea of its use today.  I had no idea the trees were almonds.  I thought almonds grew in a warmer climate.  Guess not.

Dad, et. al..