Hello, My Dears!

I’m writing next to a space heater in my living room, wrapped up in sweaters and scarves. After a very mild 2023 here in central NC, we got hit by a cold spell at the exact same time our furnace died. The new one will be installed on Monday, and the next few days are supposed to be warm. So – good news: I think I’ll survive. 

It has made me think about the days where central heating wasn’t a given, which I believe covers most of human history. Would our girls have had central heating in 1934? Unlikely, though they may have had it by the end of the decade. Even so, I can’t imagine Bess or Eula – and certainly not Emmeline! – spending their days bundled up as ridiculously as I am.

In this week’s episode, we spend time with Bess, who’s looking for inspiration for a new quilt. In the meantime, she’s making sample blocks, something she learned to do from Dorothy. She’s currently working on a Ruby McKim block. If you’re not familiar with McKim, you can read more about her here. She was a fascinating woman!

As I edited this week’s episode, I realized that sometimes I can be hit-or-miss as a reader when it comes to creating distinct male voices. Does Joe more or less sound like Arthur? I fear he does at times. I’ll continue to work on it, but I apologize for the times I don’t quite get it right.

Thanks as always for subscribing to the Story Guild. I couldn’t do it without your support! 

xoFrances