Letter 145 Etten, May 1881
Dear Theo,
I enclose a little note because the others are writing to you and I thought you would like to hear what I am actually doing.
Every day that it does not rain, I go out in the fields, generally to the heath. I make my studies on a rather large scale, like the few you saw at the time of your visit; so I have done, among other things, a cottage on the heath [JH0004, F0875], and also that barn with a thatched roof on the road to Roozendaal, which locally they call the Protestant barn. [JH0005, F0842]
You will perhaps remember what I mean.
Then the mill right opposite it, in the meadow [JH0006, F0843], and the elm trees in the churchyard.
And another of woodcutters, busy on a wide patch of ground where a large pine tree has been cut down. I also try to draw the implements, such as a wagon, plough, harrow, wheelbarrow, etc., etc.
The one with the woodcutters turned out best of all, and I think you would like it.
I have had a letter from Rappard; perhaps he will come here some time this summer.
A handshake in thought, and believe me,
Yours sincerely, Vincent