anuary 3rd, 1897Dear Diary,
What should I call you? I must think of a proper name for you. I promise think of one tomorrow. Love
Dina January 4th, 1897
Dear Linn,
Pa says we should go to California for gold. He says we could make a fortune by going to California and panning for gold. Ma doesn't like the idea so much. Somehow Pa convinced her into going to California. I can't wait until we get going. Love,
Dina January 10, 1897
Dear Linn,
I am sorry I haven't wrote for a long time. I was very busy. At church we had a luncheon and Laura's baby ister got baptised. Laura is my best friend. Love,
Dina January 12th, 1897
Dear Linn,
I must tell you about myself because if I didn't you would always be wondering how old I was or something. My full name is Dina Linn Reed. I am nine and I will be ten on May 22nd. My hair is a pale yellow which I wear all in one braid. I have light blue eyes. I have a younger brother and sister named Benjamin and Cassie. Benjamin is five and has pale yellow hair like me. Cassie has red hair like my Pa and she also has freckles. Cassie is seven. I love salt water taffy. Pa says there is a lot of salt water taffy in California. Laura's family is coming with us to California. It is late in the evening and I must be getting to bed. Love,
Dina January 14th, 1897
Dear Linn,
Cassie is terribly ill with scarlet fever. Ben has to live with Laura's family until Cassie is well again, for he may get it as well if we don't send him away for a bit. Love,
Dina April 2nd, 1897
Dear Linn,
I haven't written in a long time because of Cassie's illness. Cassie is a little better now and Bem is with us again. We are now on the trail to California, but we rest a lot because Cassie gets exausted. I have to watch CAssie and feed her, for she is to weak to move much, and must lie down still. Ma can't do this task because she has to help Pa. Love,
Dina May 24th, 1897
Dear Linn,
I have found the mountains very rough. We already broke a wagon wheel and axel. Pa is fixing the wagon and I must go now for I have to help Ma lighten the load. Love,
Dina P.s. I shall not be writing for a while because we are very busy June 5th, 1897
Dear Linn,
We have crossed the border and are in California. I shall now begin the next section of this diary. This is just a sample of a long story I have written about Dina. I hope to publish this someday. If you'd like me to send you the part where she's in California please e-mail me. I hope you enjoyed the story!