Mary suffers from a lot of headaches and she and her sister Marjorie are well past the usual marrying age. They live with their mother and father. While “Marg” takes to quilting and sewing, Mary prefers cooking. She has her hands full. In July 1893, 31 thrashers come for two days and she engages in a flourish of baking pies and cakes. She also keeps track of the butter and eggs she sells and her favourite recipes.