saturday, may 13, 1944

my dearest kitty,

yesterday was father's birthday, father and mother's nineteenth wedding anniversary, a day without the cleaning lady. . . and the sun was shining as it's never shone before in 1944. our chestnut tree is in full bloom. it's covered with leaves and is even more beautiful than last year.

father received a biography of linnaeus from mr. kleiman, a book on nature from mr. kugler, the canals of amsterdam from dussel, a huge box from the van daans (wrapped so beautifully it might have been done by a professional), containing three eggs, a bottle of beer, a jar of yogurt and a green tie. it made our jar of molasses seem rather paltry. my roses smelled wonderful compared to miep and bep's red carnations. he was thoroughly spoiled. fifty petits fours arrived from siemons'

bakery, delicious! father also treated us to spice cake, the men to beer and the ladies to yogurt. everything was scrumptious!

yours, anne m. fran

k