Question

how did Helen and Martha keep themselves occupied

Answer 1

Helen and Martha Washington, their cook's child, were constant companions.  Martha understood Helen's signs and it was easy for Helen to make her do as she wished.  They spent a great deal of time in the kitchen, kneading dough balls, helping making ice cream, grinding coffee, quarreling over the cake bowl and feeding the hens and turkeys that swarmed about the kitchen steps.  During Christmas, the elders allowed them to grind spices, pick over the raisins and lick the stirring spoons. 

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