Davenport, Fla.,
Jan. 29, 1914.

Dear Sis:

In beginning I will not make any excuses for not [writing] in the past few months for I have none but I might say that I have written and destroyed two letters intended for you because they did not suit me.

From what I [hear] Mother say once in a while I find that you and George are not on the best of terms. Such things can but make life more miserable. Truly I feel sorry for you.

What kind of a winter have you been [having] up there? [Q]uite severe I imagine from our weather for we get the tail end of the storms and cold spells down here and I surely

have noticed the changes although we have had only a few light frosts.

Rain has been the latest feature down here and we [certainly] had [plenty] of that a few days ago. [Actually] the rain down here has such a degree of dampness that I believe it contains 50 percent more water than in any other place on the continent and as you know all rain is more or less wet[.]

For the past month I have been working for the Davenport Light & Ice plant. I have been [wiring] houses mostly, working with another fellow who is a pretty good wire-man. You know that is one of the first steps in an [electrician's] career and I rather like it.

I am feeling pretty good now for I train quite a bit lately. You ought to see me in a track suit running in the sand. I sure shock some of the good -Sisters- down here "believe me." I weighed myself today and made 139 without a coat. I guess I have grown some since I left for I am 5 ft 11 in tall now. You would hardly know me.

I am sending you a picture which I had taken a few days ago although I do not consider it a very good one.

[Hoping] you are well and happy[.] I will expect an answer soon.

Your Affectionate Brother
EKB