Friday Nov 4 - 1955 Dear Alec: I dont remember just how long since I wrote you but it seems quite a while, but I wasnt putting off expecting word from you for I know how difficult it is for you to write. But I surely would like to feel that Ronald and Eleanor are keeping in pretty close touch with you [at Hooper's Rest Home in Canton], especially Ronald, since he is only a few miles away. I dont remember that I have written Eleanor since I came back although I may have but I'm sure I haven't had word from her: and here again it is possible I may have heard from her and forgotten. It seems strange as we grow older that our memories dont seem to click as they used to. Anyway Alec, I hope you are keeping as well as your condition permits and if you look as well as when I saw you in July that will be gratifying, and I'm hoping if I am still in the land of the living next summer to get back to see you. I haven't seen Bess for over a week, but expect to run out to 1506 E. Denny Way where she stays with a Mrs. Godwin -- in the next few days. She got up[,] Mrs. Godwin phoned me one morning about two weeks ago before it was quite daylight, and started off by herself without Mrs. Godwins knowledge. It seems she had been telling Mrs. G. that she was going *across the Lake* to see Alec, evidently thinking that the lake was Lake Michigan, but where in that vicinity she expected to see you, I can't figure out. It was not until about noon of that day after Mrs. Godwin had phoned the police that they picked Bess up -- hatless and tired, in the Ballard [?} district several miles from where she stays. Poor Bess is not any better mentally though she looks fairly well but a little thinner. She has no difficulty in recognizing me when I call. Roberts new wife Beryl recently and quite suddenly lost her father, who just slumped over in his chair while eating. He was gone in a few minutes -- and never spoke again. He and his wife, Beryls parents were living in Princeville [?] Oregon, and only in the early part of last Month, Robert and Beryl had gone over there to help them celebrate their 50th anniversary. I had met them both -- strong large and vigorous. The rest of the folks of our family seem about as usual, but as time wears on their visits to 5726 get less frequent, so I patch and bach here all by myself. Keep a goin' then old boy and lets hope for next year. Always much love Tom Ive been reading Troilus and Cressida but doubt if I'll finish it, for it is just a story of lust *not* love. A poor one for Shakespeare #