One of Harry B's.

Peter, Peter, pun'kin eater,

Had a girl & couldn't keep her,

He put her in a pun'kin shell,

And there he kept her very nicely.

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Another one

Simple Simon, met a pieman, going to the fair

Said Simple Simon to the pieman, "Let me taste your underwear."

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Query from H.B.

"Do they have turkey in heaven for Christmas?"

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H.B. "Mother, how do you get whiskers?" Mother "I don't"

1927

Conversation between H.B. & Gay.

H.B. "Do you know how the rain gets in the cistern Gay?"

No answer from Gay.

H.B. "Say Yes or No."

Gay. "Yes or No." Loud Ha. Ha's from H.B.

H.B. "Say No" Gay - "No". H.B. proceeds to explain that it comes in through the drain.

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Mother asks H.B. to do something

H.B. "I won't"

Mother "That is very rude, you must never speak that way"

Gay - "Noo! I wouldn't say that, I'd say "NO!!! I don't want to!!!"

Monday January 25th 1926

I went over home this morning and got there in time for Frank and me to bag up five bags of oats and take them down to the mill before dinner. This after noon after hearing a few records on the phonograph (Tim's apprehension that his Grannie's choice of phonographic music ran almost exclusively to hymns were evidently ill-founded) Frank and I went down and got a load of Pokohontas coal. We stopped in at Aunty's on our way down and Aunty Alice presented me with a bottle of beef iron and wine and extracted a promise from me that I would take it regularly after every meal. Since they had got it I had to promise. They all have an idea that I am run down and need winding up. Frank and I went around by the mill and got my grist and came out here with the coal past Henry Misener's but the sleighing was poor there and we warmed the horses up before we got here. We unloaded the coal in the new wood-shed and Frank took the team back alone. Ina came to-day and stayed all night and as she was here with Marj. and it was a beautiful crisp moon-light night with plenty of good walking, I went down to band practice but found there wasn't any. I inquired at Bob. Smith's and he

told me that they had decided to suspend practice till after the rink closed. I sat talking to him for awhile and then went down and visited Aunty till about half past ten. Aunty Alice was up at the Freeman's with Quint playing bridge. They had a letter from Dad & Dick to-day saying that they arrived in New York safely. Cold, cloudy little snow.

Tuesday January 26th

I walked over home this morning and in spite of a rather high wind Frank and I managed to get on a fair jag of straw from the stack and it over to the horse stable. I drove home here to dinner and this after noon I drove Marj. down town and she went to Miss Kerney's funeral. Ina looked after all the kids while we were gone and I drove her home before tea. I went back to the farm from town to wait for Marj. but a very nasty east storm had developed and it was altogether too rough for Frank and me to attempt hauling in any corn stalks so we went over to Pickford's. Mrs. P. told us Jack was having a bee getting some wood in his own bush but we didn't go back. She invited us to have some cider so we sat talking to her till about four and just as we were leaving Pickford came in and insisted on drawing some more cider for us. I felt first-rate when I left there but by the time I had walked over home I felt better and after going in the house and reading a letter from Mr. Parks and coming out in to the cold again I felt still better, in fact extremely joyful. I let Queen go down town on the run I believe and picked Marj. up at Auntys. Aunty Alice treated me to a glass of wine which I really didn't need as I wasn't at all cold. Marj. and I went up town and got some groceries she had ordered at Schram's and we then got home with out any mishaps. Marj. under the impression that Aunty Alice's wine was especially potent this year. Very rough, not very cold.

Wednesday January 27th

I went over home about eleven this morning and although it was cold and windy Frank and I went out before dinner and tore down half a dozen corn shocks which we hauled up to the barn this after noon. We then put on a load of straw and hauled it out here. The little oat straw stack went over during the night with out hurting anything, so we put part of a load of it on and topped out with wheat straw. Frank took the team back and I stayed here. No wind at all as we were coming out here with

the straw, but there is a high wind to-night from the south west. To-day's paper tells of a terrible storm on the North Atlantic and mentions the Mont Royal along with other liners having reached New York badly mussed up. She docked yesterday so Mr. Parks would be two days later.

Thursday January 28th

Now it so befell that to-day a great blizzard raged.This our cot hath been beaten and buffeted by such a wind and ever and anon hath given voice to divers, groans and creakings as would make one think that her timbers must forsooth be torn asunder. With out there hath been such a swirl and burl of wind and driving snow and so bitter cold withal, that truly I had not set foot o'er threshold had it not been for the necessity of foddering the cattle and fetching the fuel Pokohantas. I whiled the time away by sitting by the fire and reading aloud Sir John Dering by Jeffery Farnol, while Marj. baked bread, and had fair luck in spite of the weather. It took all day to rise and she baked it this evening. I did not turn the cows down to the creek to-day as it is piled high with snow drifts but carried water to them.

Friday January 29th

The wind had gone down this morning but it has been very cold all day and quite a breeze too. I went over home about eleven and helped Frank bag up 50 bushels of oats which he promised to take to the mill for Jack Martin. We took them down right after dinner and went on down and got another load of Pokohontas for the farm and I got some corn and bran at Billy Laings. I felt rather tough to-night with another cold, went to bed early about 10.

Saturday January 30th

The wind shifted to the south during the night and the change in the temperature this morning was almost unbelievable. From somewhere in the zero region yesterday the mercury went up to around 40° to-day. It was thawing this morning before sun-up. I caught all my leghorn cockrels this morning and put them in bags to take over to Jack's in the buggy. I also killed and picked a Plymouth Rock cockrel for ourselves, so I didn't get started over much before noon and as I had to call for Frank at Pickford's we didn't get any thing done before dinner. Pickford has been laid up with a cold and lumbago ever since his wood bee. When we

got over home I put my cockrels from the bags into a crate and while I was at it one escaped. Tim and I chased him out around the barn but he lit out at such speed across the orchard that we couldn't begin to follow him so let him go. The last we saw of him he was half way across the ploughed field north of the orchard. What will become of him I don't know but I suppose someone will shoot him if he doesn't freeze to death. That just left me eleven to take over to Jack. After dinner Frank and I bagged up another fifty bushels of oats and then had to change the box from the sleighs to the waggon as what little snow there was on the road has gone off to-day. Jonas came along as we were loading the oats and he was bound for Jack's too, to collect his wages for dehorning some cattle so we all went over to-gether. I weighed my cockrels up and they weighed 34 lbs and then we dumped Franks oats in the feed bin at the Long house, but as Jack was down town none of us got our money. We all thought we would catch him at home to-day. Chris said he would get my chicken money for me. Enah got a letter from Dad. to-day saying he hoped to leave New York to-day and get home sometime to-morrow. Fine day, more like the end of March than the end of January.

Sunday January 31st

We were late as usual this morning getting up and had breakfast about nine or half past so didn't have any noon meal. I did up the chores and swept the school house and dug out the deepest part of the lane before noon and this after noon we all drove over home in the buggy to see if Dad. got home but as Frank was the only one at the farm and he was getting ready to leave we drove on down to Aunty's. We waited there till after the three car came in but Dad. & Dick were not on it. We came home about four o'clock. I did up the chores and then walked over to Trum. Walker's with the milk pails to leave one and get a quart for to-night. Trum hadn't milked so I had to wait and by the time I left it was pitch dark and snowing quite hard from the east. We had our chicken dinner after I got home about seven. Very mild and nice all day, but raw east wind late this after noon when we came home & east blizzard to-night.

Monday February 1st

We were late as usual getting around this morning and found every thing blown full with snow from last night's east storm. It was still blowing and

snowing this morning but quieted down later and got bright, and it has been quite mild all day. I walked over home just before dinner and found Dad. there feeling rather tough after his trip. He and Dick arrived last night on the 5 o'clock car. Dick had given Dad an entertaining time in New York but the city and change has been too much for him. He has a bad cold and indigestion. Dad. says New York has changed completely since he was there twenty years ago. Then he thought that if forced to live in a city, it would be the ideal one but now he couldn't be persuaded to live there on any terms. He was thankful to get out of it alive. His ideas of the people seem to have undergone a change too as he seemed terribly shocked at their actions over there. His trip was highly satisfactory as Aunt Hattie agreed not to fight. We were all sure she would agree and she told Dad. she would have agreed not to even if she didn't get a cent out of it. It was too bad that Dad's present to her couldn't have been a surprise. Mr. Parks told him that after the court proceedings Manning had studied the thing up and found an old judgment of a similar case and Aunt Hattie would not have had a chance at all. He said that Gavin Symonds was he thought very sorry he had mentioned the subject as he had no idea it would cause so much trouble and Roper & Whatly were disgusted. Mr. Parks says he is a young counsel and thought he was doing some thing clever. The fight now is just between Dad. & Harry B. and depends on the decision of the Name & Arms clause. Mr. Parks is quite confident though and says all will be over and Dad. declared heir at law by the first of March, - but - we shall see. After dinner Dad. and I walked down town and I called in at Jack's and got the money for my leghorns $23.70 40 cts a pound for the pullets and 25 for the cockrels. I went right up and cashed the cheque and paid several little bills around town. I then went up to Dr. McLaughlin the dentist as there seems no hope of Bill being back for a long time yet. He looked me over and told me I had pyorrhea and about half my teeth needed filling and one needed pulling and yet Bill has been telling me all along that they were all sound though I doubted him. I went down to Aunty's and Dad. and I walked over as far as the farm to-gether and I came on over here through the fields as Lea Marshall gave me a bundle of cheques for Chas. Munroe.

Tuesday February 2nd

I spent most of the morning cleaning out the porch. It was full of snow from Sunday night's storm and I had to move every thing to get the snow out so I moved some of the stuff away altogether consequently it is now much tidier and roomier. I also cut the boards for another shutter and put them in place but didn't nail them together. The porch is now all closed in except the east side and it is the smallest opening. This after noon I drove down town and got a bag of wheat at Billy Laings. I took Harry B. with me and left him at the farm while I went on down town. Dad. feels very miserable. Ina was here all day and I drove her home when I got back from town. Milder

Wednesday February 3rd

I went over home this morning and Frank and I put the rack on the iron-wheeled waggon, took Queen & old Charlie and started about eleven for Archie Long's for my load of hay. We had no idea what time it was we got there or how long we were there but it took a long time to dig the hay (thrashed bluegrass) out and pitch it on. We took the team off the waggon while we were there and put them in the stable which afforded a little more protection than outdoors but every thing down there looks rather dilapitated and as there is no one living there it is desolate. That farm alone is enought to give aptness to the title of the whole region down there, which is called "The Swamp of Misery." We put on a good fair load and got it hauled through the snow drifts in the lane safely and the road was fairly good wheeling. It began to snow just as we left and soon settled down to a steady orderly fall of fine flakes which didn't seem to cover the road very fast but soon had us white. When we got to Clarence Welsh's he told us it was about three o'clock. We didn't know it was so late. We got as far as the lane here without any mishaps but coming up it, I got too near the wheat and the off wheels of the waggon went down so far into the snow that the team couldn't lift it so we had to throw off a big pile on the wheat which we left there. We took the team off as soon as we had pulled into the barn and we had dinner, which Marj. had ready for us. It was about five o'clock when we left here. I went over with Frank and helped him a little with his chores. Dad. was out putting the cows in when we got there but he feels very miserable. I got back here about seven and was dog tired to-night. Raw east wind this fore noon. Milder & still snowing to-night.

Thursday February 4th

We all went to town to-day and were at Aunty's for dinner. The snow last night patched up the sleighing so we went comfortably in the cutter. This after noon I went up and had my hair cut and then sat in the library till 3.30 when I went up to the dentist's. He poked around at the tooth that had the big cavity in it till he began to hurt me so then decided he would have to kill the nerve and whatever he did made it a little sore to-night. Marj. sold her eggs and did her trading and spent the most of the after noon up at Bessie Patterson's. I took some eggs over to the house for Amy and Mrs. Turner talked to me for about 15 minutes, standing in her open doorway so I suppose she will have a fine cold. We stopped in at the farm on our way home and I told Frank I would be over to-morrow to get a load of coal and then haul ice. Dick intends going to Montreal to-morrow to report as his two months is up. I think he intends to apply for more leave until things are settled up in England. Cold but fine & sunny this after noon. One of the baby's upper teeth came through to-day.

Friday February 5th

I took Harry B over to the farm with me this morning We went over about 10.30 and Frank and I put another load of straw in the horse stable loft before dinner. This after noon we went down and I got a load of Pocohontas. I brought it out alone as Frank wanted to get his chores done up early. The Dramatic Club goes to Woodhouse to-night to put on their play "Making Daddy Behave". They had it here last night and Frank said it was a success. We stopped and saw Val. Leaney on our way down town and he said they would be at the ice for three or four days yet but advised us to get it as soon as possible. Aunty & Aunty Alice were over at the farm this after noon to see Dad. who still feels very much under the weather. Dick left for Montreal at one o'clock. I let the cows out and cleaned the stables while I was home here with the coal as it was about five when I got back to the farm with the team and about six when I got back here with the Niblits. Marj. has felt about all in with a bad cold to-day and we were both feeling tough this evening. I went to bed early but she thought she had to sew.

Saturday February 6th

I drove over home this morning as early as I could get away and Frank took Queen & Charlie and got one load of ice before dinner. It took us a long time to get

it and the second one unloaded so we were only able to get three loads hauled but the last one we unloaded in short time as it was on the second tier in the ice house and there was no frozen sawdust at the edge to bind it. It was blustery this morning but has been getting milder all day and has been cloudy and almost raining. I started to walk home to-night as I was afraid I could not get in the lane with the cutter it was drifting so badly this morning. I got a ride home with the Tom Stones. Dad. doesn't feel much better.

Sunday February 7th

We were very late getting up this morning so as usual we didn't have any mid-day meal. I did up the chores and swept out the school house and about half past two we packed Gay & the baby in the hand sleigh that the Cornishs gave us and went over to the Lampkins. I pushed the sleigh and Marj. and Harry B. walked. I left them there and went on over to Trum Walker's and got the milk, then came back to the Lampkins. We came home about five in time for me to do up the chores before dark. It turned colder but has been a nice day, with north-west breeze.

Monday February 8th

I started to walk over home this morning but got a ride part way with Billy Mason. Frank had gone down after his first load of ice when I got there and he got one more before dinner. Quint came over to help us. I went down town right after dinner as I had to go to the dentist's this after noon but Quint & Frank got two more loads in and only need one more to fill the ice house. The dentist filled another tooth for me and changed the filling in the first one. He decided it was the one that was making my face swell and says it may have to come out yet. I drove Queen home to-night and got in by driving over the wheat and missing the lane. I am to take Harry B down tomorrow to visit Auntie & Aunty Alice for a day or two. Mabel was over here when I got home getting Marj. to show her how to make valentine's. Miss Morgan died early yesterday morning and is to be buried at ten o'clock tomorrow morning. Walker Waddle is to be buried in the after noon. He died Saturday. East wind, fairly cold but nice day.

Tuesday February 9th

Harry B and I drove over to the farm this morning in spite of a rather nasty east wind & snowstorm. We didn't get there very early and Frank thought we

hadn't time to harness the team and get a load of ice before dinner so we bagged up a grist. Quint came over just after dinner and he and I tied a pulley to a little 2 x 2 in the ceiling of the ice house to pull up the last load of ice as the ice house is so full there isn't room to fill the hole at the door from the inside Frank took his grist to the mill and went on down to get the load of ice which we managed to get into the ice house by the aid of the pulley without very much trouble. Frank and I then went down to the mill and got the chop but were delayed down there. Arthur Preston came down after his mail and I conversed with him. Some skallywag had played Arthur trick, by which I had some fun with him. Arthur having heard that some of the dairymen around were knocking calves in the head thought he might get one cheap and veal it so put a sign up on the mill door Wanted - calf to veal - A.W.Preston; and some Lake Shore humourist hit on the brilliant idea of changing calf to girl and the "v" in veal to f. If it had been anyone else but Arthur, it would have been a flat joke, but to see Arthurs dismay and chagrin was funny. He of course tore it down feeling no doubt that on such an occasion it would be an advantage & relief if he could only say damn it. It was about five by the time Frank and I got back with the chop & got it unloaded and then I hooked to the cutter and Quint, Harry B and I drove down to Auntys in a nasty snowstorm. I didn't go into house down there but left Harry B very cheerfully waving goodbye to me and I got home as fast as possible stopping at the farm with some groceries for Enah & to load on a bag of oats for myself. Very stormy & to-night a howling blizzard.

Wednesday February 10th

It has been very cold with a strong east wind to-day but sunny. About five o'clock the wind went down entirely, but to-night there is a west wind and it is very cold. I didn't do anything outside but chores I sat around and read and sgushed flannels for Marj. I cleaned the loose litter out of the old hen pen just after dinner and put fresh straw in. Bill Donald was in to say that Ina wouldn't be here this week. To-night I started to walk in to a hockey match but got a ride in from Art Quanbury and a ride home from town. The Juniors who have only lost one game all season & so won their group were playing Kitchner to-night in the first home & home game, but our boys were out-classed. There was no score the first period but K scored 0 in the 2nd & 3 in the 3rd Final score was 8-0. Dover did some nice work though.

Thursday February 11th

Marj. has had to stay in bed all day to-day so I have had to be in the house. I pulled the couch around near the stove and Marj. has been lying on it all day and she slept on it to-night. Harry Blake was in this morning on his annual assessing business. To-night just before tea I went up to Shand's and telephoned Huby and asked him to let them know at Auntys that we wouldn't be down for dinner to-morrow, as they were expecting us Froze the pump in the kitchen again last night. Sunny.

Friday February 12th

I chored around outside & in the house this forenoon. Marj. lay on the couch till after dinner and then got up. She feels very weak though. This after noon Gay and I drove down town and I went to the dentist's again and he changed the filling in the teeth he is treating. I left Gay at Auntie's and she & Harry B. had a great play together and were delighted to see each other. Harry B was quite willing to stay down longer though, so I left him as it is much easier for Marj. when he is not here. Aunty Alice gave me a fine roast of beef as we were not able to get down to dinner. We drove around to see Dad. who still feels tough. Sunny & much milder.

Saturday February 13th

Marj. got up this morning and got breakfast and has been pretty busy all day trying to clean up the house after the state I let it get in. I went over home right after breakfast and Frank and I put on a load of straw and brought it out here. Dad. helped us change the rack and says he feels a little better but is not well yet by any means. We got out here with the straw before dinner and unloaded it part of it out on the strawberries and the rest in the barn. After dinner we went out and got the pile of hay that we had to pitch off in the lane the other day, and put it in the barn. We then went back home and tried to get some corn stalks but they were frozen in so tightly that we only took a few sheaves from one shock. When we got up to the house we found Cecil there alone. Dad. & Enah had driven down town. Cecil had drawn off some cider from the centre of the barrel as it is frozen and we all had some together with some more of his & Frank's home brew consequently I came home joyful again. My legs would hardly hold me when I got home and I didn't dare come to the house to stay so went out and spread the straw on the strawberries, and by the time I got that done and the chores done, I felt safer but was no good after tea.

Marj. thought I was tired though, so didn't urge me to wash the dishes and as she was tired out herself she went to sleep on the couch and neither of us woke up till after midnight so by the time we got the baby fed and had a prolonged argument before I consented to wash my feet it was three a.m. before we got to bed. I never felt so useless in my life, but I got the strawberries covered which I wouldn't have done if I had been sober. It has been a beautiful day, fairly hot in the sun but east wind.

Sunday February 14th

We didn't get up till nearly nine to'clock his morning and didn't do much before noon except have breakfast. I went over and swept the school house and did the chores. As soon as we could get ready we all drove down to Auntie's and were there most of the after noon. Harry B. was asleep when we arrived and slept till Aunty Alice woke him as she was so anxious to see how he would act when he saw us but when he came down he barely looked at us, he was so sleepy. When he got well awake he was quite willing to come home with us and said he had had a good time, which he certainly had as both Aunty & Aunty Alice saw to it that he was entertained. We came away from there about half past four and called in home and in at the Donald's to find out Ina's plans for this week and then in at Walkers to get our milk so it was nearly six when we got home. Harry B and Gay both seem tickled to death to get together again, and have had several disagreements already. They have been independent long enough to each want his & her own way more than ever. Cloudy, very soft but raw east wind.

Monday February 12th

We got an early start this morning as both our clocks stopped last night and we set them about a half an hour fast. I got over home about half past nine so Frank Cecil and I got a fairly early start for the Swamp of Misery after another load of hay. We would have been back in good time but for several delays, first at Pickford's then at Jack Mason's to say nothing of several along the road - as those fellows were bound to bring a crock along. Fortunately the stack was a small one so or we would all have broken our necks as we all fell off of it several times, the crock being nearly empty by the time we got there. After about three hours of pitching and climbing back on to the stack we

got what we called a load, and started for home. Except for taking out a gate post all went well till we got to Black Creek bridge which was bare of snow and when the sleigh runners struck a cement piece just at the end of the plank floor of the bridge they stuck fast and the team couldn't budge them. We started to carry snow in our arms to throw under the runners but Anson Abbott saw us and brought a shovel down and got a rail and lifted the front runners so that we could throw snow under but when Frank tried them again he broke the doubletree, so then Anson and Cecil went up to the house and got another set that couldn't be broken and with them we pulled on to the plank where she slid all right. We got home without any more mishaps about three o'clock by the right time Marj. had had dinner ready for us at one and had just about given us up, but the wait hadn't hurt the dinner any and it had done wonders for our appetites. We had the roast of beef that Aunty Alice gave us. We put the load off after dinner and Frank & Cecil went back alone with the team as I thought I would be so late by the time I went over home & back. It was mild & inclined to snow this morning but cleared off and was colder this after noon with a westerly gale to-night

Tuesday February 16th

I walked over home this morning and got Queen & the cutter. I called in at the Lampkin's on my way and they asked me to get them some raw oil down town for their cow. They also invited us over there to-night as the Shands & Evans are to be there and make some music. I sat in the house at home for a few minutes. Dad. is feeling better. He had two teeth out yesterday and intends having some more out right away. The dentist told him they should all come out. It was about half past eleven by the time I got down town. I got a bag of bran at Billy Laings and then before I came home I drove down to Anson Abbott's and returned his doubletrees, so it was after noon when I got home. Right after dinner Marj. Harry B & I drove down town again. Ina was here so we left Gay who fell asleep at the dinner table with her as well as the baby. We left Harry B at the farm. Marj. and I both went to the dentist's and I had a tooth out. It was the one that Dr. Lemmons was treating & Dr. McLaughlin was going to fill it to-day but there had been a gumboil on it so he decided it had better come out. I thought so anyway and so was glad to be rid of it and there was an abscess on it which he said could

not have been cured. It pulled hard but I could barely feel it and except for being a little sore has not bothered me since. He started to kill the nerve in one of Marj's. We got home just before dark and then I drove Ina home. She was up most of the night at a U.F.O. supper & dance so didn't feel very frisky but put out a big wash never-the-less. Aunty & Aunty Alice are coming out Thursday if it is a nice day so if alls well we intend going after another load of hay to-morrow. Marj. went over to the Lampkin's to-night and left me to set bread so I have got to get at it. Cold & windy last night and cold to-day but bright.

Wednesday February 17th

I went over home this morning but we didn't get a very early start. I mixed up an overdose of bread last night and Marj. mixed it down before breakfast and it took her a long time but it turned out to be a beautiful baking. Frank and Cecil were all ready for me and to-day we went down past Art Ryerse's where I got a bag of potatoes. The boys had their little crock along but we didn't mix it at all to-day so all stayed quite sober. We got into the house down at Archie's and Cecil built a fire in an old wreck of a stove and heated the cider in an old cream can lid which just held the jug nicely. We only put on a small load as the sleighing is poor in spots and to-day we took a shovel along and threw snow in the bad places leading up to the bridge, so got home without any accident. We got here about three o'clock and were well primed for dinner so filled up on Marj's fresh rolls & Willie Grants. Frank & I put the load of and Marj. bribed Cecil to help her wash the dishes by offering him a loaf of bread. I didn't go back to the farm with the boys so will have to walk over to get Queen. To-night I went over to the Lampkin's to see how Dave was and took him some of the cough medicine we had as Marj. said he looked so sick with his cold last night. He is in bad shape but thinks he feels a little better to-night. I fully expected to have a sore mouth to-day but have not felt my tooth in the least. When I went out to the barn this morning I found one of my grain bags with large holes chewed in around the top of it. I was surprised as I didn't think the cats would let a rat do so much work, but was more surprised when I went out again after breakfast to find the hay in worse shape that before, in fact the whole thing was just rags. I saw a huge tail of some animal disappear in to the hay and am quite sure it was a muskrat, as two or three times I

have seen muskrat tracks leading from a hole in the ice off the creek up to the barn and back again. Very mild all day but raw south west wind this morning I saw Ed. Austin down at the Ryerse's this morning, he says it is 18 years since he left here.

Thursday February 18th

I walked over home this morning to get Queen. Frank had a small jag of straw on the rack and I helped him put it off in the horse stable loft. I then drove down and got Aunty & Aunty Alice first going up town and trading a couple of dozen eggs for some coffee & sugar. I also drew five dollars from my account to pay for the potatoes I got at Art Ryerses and to pay Trum Walker for milk. I got out here with Aunty & Aunty Alice a little before noon. We had a nice visit this after noon and I drove them back about five o'clock. It snowed a little during the night and has been very cloudy & half raining all day but turned to snow this after noon & was snowing hard & fast when we went into town with an east wind. Mabel came over to spend the night on account of the storm. I saw the muskrat two or three times to-day and was able to get very close to him.

Friday February 19th

Things were pretty well snowed up this morning and it drifted a little but there is a better covering of snow on every thing that there has been at all I think. I spent the fore noon doing chores and mowing the hay back over the cows, first taking what little alfalfa off the rails and throwing it down to have for feeding the calf. This afternoon I drove over and paid Art Ryerse 1.75 for the bag of potatoes I got - they are selling for $2.00 a bushel at the stores, and then Jonas went with me over to Colin's barn and after a wild chase around the basement he captured the Leghorn cockrel for me. He has been down there living on the fat of the land ever since the day he escaped from us & Colin picked him out of a brushpile on the side road so he was in good shape. I called in at the farm for awhile and then went over to Jacks with the cockrel. I went on down town to post a letter so Chris gave me an armfull of chicken catalogues to post for them. The post office floor was covered with mail bags and Alice Miller said that the Eaton's catalogues were in. I met Ina at the gate starting for home so I turned around and drove her home. The Dramatic Club are going to Selkirk in the big Dover Transport track to put on their play. Sunny but cold north west wind.

Saturday February 20th

We were late getting up this morning and by the time I got a few chores done, it was nearly noon when I got over home to help Frank bag up some more oats for Jack Martin. I took Harry B & Gay with me and they had a fine time as Tim played with them all day. He is certainly good to them. Dad. was out at the barn and Frank had not got home yet from Selkirk. Tim went down to the Coleman's this morning and found that some of the party had telephoned up saying they would have to stay all night as there was a spring broken in the truck. Frank got home about the middle of the after noon. He said they didn't get down there till ten o'clock last night but put on the play before a big house finishing up after midnight. The players stayed all night in the hall. He said the roads weren't bad till after they left the highway at Nelles' Corners. I helped Dad nail up some wire to keep the stock away from the straw stack but didn't do any thing else all day, except sit around and read. We came home about five o'clock and I swept the school house before dark. Marj. has had a busy day recovering the old armchair and she has not felt at all well either. Cloudy with fine snow all day.

Sunday February 21st

We all went over and spent the day with the Charlie Butler's arriving there about 11.30 and staying till between four and five. Harry B and Gay had quite a time getting acquainted with the new dog over there as he is a big Boston bull pup and very playful. Cory went at him with a club and made him behave, exclaiming "My Gosh. He wouldn't hurt them, but he's just a great big silly thats what he is and just wants to kiss "em. He's just too saff for any thing." Charlie had to build a wood box with a lid on it to keep him from chewing up the wood as Cory says he is teething and has to have something to chew on. Charlie is still manufacturing furniture in his spare time and has the house full of little tables, stands and hall trees with underpinning heavy enough for a grand piano. He has a set of bob sleighs under construction now for the Munroe kids and if they can lug them up hill without the aid of a horse they will do well. Cold and raw east wind all day, cloudy.

Monday February 22nd

We got up very late this morning and Trum. Walker came in just as I was getting dressed to tell us he

had spilled most of our milk when he was putting it in the mailbox so he took the other pail and sent up a little more with the kids when they came to school but at that we only got about half what we should have. I just did chores this morning and did some squshing for Marj. and this after noon I spent down town at the dentists. He filled three more teeth for me. It was about six when I got home. Marj. invited Mabel & Mrs. Walker over to tea so that she would have company while I went to band practice to-night. Mabel came but Mrs. Walker didnt get here till about seven o'clock and we were nearly through tea. I went down to practice and we had a good one although there weren't many out. There was an exhibition hockey match on between Brantford & Dover Intermediates. Brantford won 8-6. Cold day & frosty but fine night.

Tuesday February 23rd

Marj. Harry B. Gay and I all went down to Aunty's for dinner to-day leaving the baby in Ina's care as she was here washing. I had to go over to Trum's before we left and get the milk as they didn't send it this morning. Marj. went to the dentist's before dinner and her tooth hurt her afterwards. I went over to the Canning Factory and contracted for 2½ acres each of peas & corn. They have raised the price of peas to $40.00 per ton. Quint and I set up a foundation for a hook mat for Aunty Alice this after noon. Marj. and Harry B went up town after dinner with some eggs for Amy and I went up late with Quint for the mail and met them up there. We ran across Warrie Banfield. We came home about five and I drove Ina home. Fine & sunny.

Wednesday February 24th

It was a cold night the mercury dropping to zero and there was a heavy fog this morning with the trees all coated with a beautiful rime. It has been a beautiful day, sunny with what little wind there was from the south but changing this afternoon to the east. I went over home this morning and Frank and I went down to get a load of coal for over there and I intended getting a load for here this after noon but as they had nothing but the old soft coal we just got one load and each took half as Hubert said they expected some Alberta coal in right away and we heard to-night that it came this after noon. We came out here this after noon with the coal and then went back and put a little jag of straw on and hauled it over to the horse stable. We took Marj. and the kids over

with us in the bob-sleigh and they drove back with me in the cutter. It was such a nice day Marj. thought the drive would do them good. Marj. went over to the Lampkins to another party to-night and I set bread. Marj. played crokinole and got the indigestion as usual. The John Evans, the Charlie Butler and Mrs. Walker & Mabel were the other guests. Mabel an Mr. Evans furnished the music both vocal & instrumental & Charlie & Marj. the wit & humour.

Thursday February 25th

We woke up this morning to find it pouring rain and coming from the east. It rained hard till after daylight when the wind veered to the south & south west and it partly cleared but the wind has been rising all day and this after noon it has rained most of the time. The flats were pretty well covered to-night. I didn't do any thing but chores and sit around the house reading sleeping & playing with the baby. Marj. baked bread but has felt all in so lay down for most of the after noon.

Friday February 26th

It turned colder during the night and has been snowing and very blustery, but has cleared off & quieted down to-night. I just did chores this morning and went down to the dentist's this after noon. He filled the tooth he has been killing the nerve in and it is darned painful to-night. I got my hair cut much to Aunty's distress as she is always afraid I will catch cold. I was in there for a few minutes and saw Dick who returned from Montreal Wednesday night. I was in at the farm for a few minutes. Dad. has a very badly swollen face as the dentist broke a piece of a root of one of the teeth he extracted and made his jaw sore digging for it. Dad. got a letter from Mr. Parks to-day, the first he has had since Mr. Parks got back. Marj. should have gone to the dentist to-day but it was too rough to take the kids out as Harry B. has a bad cough.

Saturday February 27th

My tooth has been sore all day to-day so I have kept out of the cold as much as possible. It is better to-night. I just did chores and did a little squshing for Marj. and swept the school house, spent the rest of the day sitting around reading and fooling with the kids. I carried water to the cows from the pump as I was afraid to have them go to the creek the hill was so slippery but I turned them out for awhile and they went down in spite of having been watered. Bright but cold N.W. wind.

Sunday February 28th

As usual we were very late getting up this morning and as we were booked for dinner at Mrs. Walkers we had to hurry around to get ready. We spent a very nice after noon. The kids had a gay time as Clara Tupper who was over there skating with Trum's kids came in and the whole bunch played very boisterously. I spent most of the after noon looking at Topsy's snapshots. Strong raw south west wind and snow this afternoon. Milder to-night.

Monday March 1st

We all went to town this morning and had dinner at Aunty's. We had quite a party as Dick, Quint & Frank were there too. Frank and I went over to the farm right after dinner with Queen and came back with the bobsleigh for a load of Alberta coal. Two cars came in and they are nearly gone. Marj. went up to the dentists' and had a tooth or two filled. I went up too but he was so busy I didn't wait. Marj's throat is very sore to-night. Very mild & cloudy rained this morning S.W. wind.

Tuesday March 2nd

It froze hard last night so the roads to-day are very icy after yesterday's thaw. I drove over home but it was too slippery to take old Charlie out as he has no shoes so Frank and I went over to Pickford's and borrowed old Joe and put him with Queen and went down to get some Alberta coal. It was nearly noon when we got there and the car was about empty but they let us have 9 cwt. We came right out here with it and had dinner here. This after noon we took the sleigh back home and sat around over there for awhile and then Frank went over to Pickford's with me and led old Joe behind the cutter. I came home did up my chores shaved and dressed up and drove right back to town again to attend the band social. I drove Ina as far as the corner. It was after 6.30 when I got to the hall but I was in plenty of time for supper as they waited for Jim Ryerse who was supposed to bring milk and he didn't show up at all so finally they went out and bought milk. We had a good supper and a good crowd, besides the bandsmen and their familys, the reeve & councillors were there with their familys and several ex-bandsmen including Mr. Smith, Mr. Bagley & Bob Leaney. They played progressive euchre for a couple of hours after

tea. I didn't join in that game but sat & talked to Karl. Coleman, Ed. Steele & Harry Moon. Harry has just returned from a two months visit to New York & neighboring cities so has a lot to talk about. About eleven o'clock the Steele orchestra struck up and we danced from then till about one. We had a good time, as there wasn't too big a crowd and every body knew every body which made tings more sociable. Mabel came over and stayed all night with Marj. Marj. has a very sore throat.

Wednesday March 3rd

It has been very windy and cold all day and this after noon it snowed most of the time and was very blustery. We sat around the house most of the fore noon till Marj. suddenly remembered that she had to have dinner ready on time for Mabel. I walked down to Art Quanbury's this after noon and bought a couple of cockrels to mate with my hens. He charged me $2 apiece but I didn't pay him. Art is busy making a radio set.

Thursday March 4th

It froze very hard last night but has been a very sunny day with a cold north west wind. I did chores this morning and after dinner drove Marj. Gay & the baby up to Flossie's to a Women's Institute meeting. Marj. didn't decide to go till noon as her throat and chest are very sore and she can hardly talk but it was such a nice day and on several other occasions when she has been invited up there something has prevented. Harry B & I drove over home and he told Dad. that Mum-mum, Gay and baby sis had gone to a hin party. I left him there and went on down to the dentist but I was late for my appointment and he was so busy he didn't do anything to me. Martha Bonfield and Ruth were both there Dad. had all his remaining teeth out this morning so his face is pretty sore. Harry B and I drove up to Shand's and collected the family before we came home.

Friday March 5th

I did up some of my chores and helped Marj. do some of hers as she feels miserable with her cold and I drove down and had dinner at Aunty's so that I could get up to the dentist's early. Frank was there to dinner, he having been to the dentist's this morning. I went up soon after dinner and had two more teeth filled. He has them all filled now

except two wisdom teeth which he says are not worth filling. He still has to give me three or four treatments for pyorrhea. I wasn't going to have it treated as I told him I hadn't the money to pay for it but he said he didn't mind waiting for his pay and strongly advised it so I told him to go ahead. Poor old Bill Lemmons died to-day. I was in at Aunty's for awhile before I came home and I stopped in home for awhile so it was about five when I got home. Dad. heard again from Mr. Parks yesterday saying that they are having difficulty in getting an affadavit from Mrs. Quintin Dick as it seems she gave birth some years ago to a 6 months child and doesn't know whether it ever had a separate existence or not she is communicating with some relatives to find out for sure as it seems if it had, they will have to argue on the conversion after all. It is so technical that we can't understand it and are beginning to wonder whether it is really the hand of fate or the machinations of men that is hurling so many obstacles in the course of justice. Mr. Parks is very provoked as it will probably cause more delay. It has been bright and not so cold to-day but is freezing hard to-night.

Saturday March 6th

I didn't do any thing but chores to-day and help Marj. do a few jobs around the house. I swept the school house this after noon. Marj's cold doesn't seem much better. Mrs. Lampkin's came over to-night for a visit and brought us some delicious looking cookies, but as they tasted so strongly of oil we only took one bite apiece. She told us that they had been unable to use one batch of butter as it tasted so of the oil they had been giving the cow. We suppose that it still tastes of it but they have become used to the taste as we can't imagine her deliberately trying to pan off such vile tasting things as those cookies were on us. I walked part way home with her. It has been milder and partly cloudy to-day and the wind has swung around to the south east. Very cloudy to-night.

Sunday March 7th

Had a late breakfast as usual and just sat around & read & played with the kids all day, except for doing a few chores and going over to Trrum Walkers for the milk. Had an early supper or dinner at night of stuffed beef steak. Wind back to the West. Rained nearly all day. Colder to-night. Marj's cold still bad.

Monday March 8th

I killed a pair of old hens this morning one for ourselves and one for Aunty Alice and also did a little squshing for Marj. I intended going down to Doc. Lemmon's funeral this after noon but couldn't get ready in time. I did go down with some eggs and Aunty Alice's chicken and got some groceries and feed at Billy Laings. I went to both banks to see how my accounts stood. I had $7.54 at the Standard so as my feed came to $7.22 I gave Billy a cheque on the Standard, and I had $8. something at the Royal, so I drew five dollars and paid Art Quanbury four for the roosters and with the other dollar & the hen money will pay Trum. Walker for milk tickets and then trust to Providence. Maybe the fortune will come soon, but I doubt it. I saw Dick up town and he accompanied me on my various errands I think his holidays are beginning to pall. Aunty Alice is having a bridge party for him to-night and is asking the Charlie Ivey's much against her wishes to please him. I think he is going to Toronto the end of the week to see Frances Henry. Dad. & Frank were both at the funeral Dad a bearer. Frank drove home with me. Marj's cold still bad, she is going to stay in bed to-morrow. Windy & blustery.

Tuesday March 9th

Marj. has been in bed all day but sat up for awhile this evening. She has been busy sewing and got my socks all darned and two dresses finished for Gay. I have tried to keep house and the house looks like it. I seem to have been busy all day with out getting any thing done. I boiled the chicken and gave Marj. a piece at noon. She said she was starving hungry as it was about two o'clock before I got around to it, but the chicken was so tough she couldn't eat it. I turned the kids out for awhile this morning and they all went to sleep this after noon while I went out and did a few chores. Mr. Weidrick the Insurance man was in at noon just as I was in the act of getting the kids some dinner, and he sat and chewed the rag till Harry B. came & told me that Mum-mum said to get him (HB) some dinner and Gay asked him to put on his hat. Beautiful day cold wind.

Wednesday March 10th

I spent the morning doing chores around the house and feeling tough, but Marj. got up at noon and soon straightened things around. I felt miserable

this after noon, besides a toothache I had a weak & watery feeling around my middle. Marj. thought it was something terrible like dysentary so was bound I should go to the doctor or have him out. I disapproved of both proposals so she sent Harry B over to the school house with a note for Mabel asking her to lend a couple of boys to go over and get Dad. Stanton Munroe and Norman Dove answered the call and Dad. came out and reassured Marj. Sunny but cold raw wind.

Thursday March 11th

My tooth was not quite so sore this morning and I felt a little better so we all packed up and went to town according to arrangements. Ina came this morning and stayed here alone getting a great stroke of work done. Enah had been up at the dentists this morning and she and Dad. were at Aunty's for dinner. Dad. & Dick went to Simcoe on the one car to see Frank Reid and show him the court proceedings. Dad. was delighted at having found his watch which he lost a week or so ago. Mrs Andrew Innes picked it up on Hallam's crossing the day he lost it and Alex Spain told him this morning that she had found one. I went up to the dentists right after dinner and had my sore wisdom tooth pulled. There were a couple of abscesses on it. He froze it and then did some work for Roy Dell while the freezing was taking effect. Marj. was supposed to have some teeth filled this after noon but Enah came up there and told me Marj. didn't feel like coming up so I had a pyorrhea treatment in her time. I went into the bank on my way home as I had notice from them that I had overdrawn my account so I renewed my note and borrowed another $100.00 The freezing was going out of my face by the time I got down to Aunty's and it was pretty sore. They got me hot salt water to rinse it with and that helped it a little. Dad. went down to the lake for me to see if there was any coal as we are just out. Mid. told him they had none but if I came down he would borrow some soft coal for me. We got home about five o'clock both feeling pretty tough. Ina stayed and got tea ready and then walked home. She would have stayed all night if Marj. had coaxed her but as She was counting on going to an Horticultural lecture in the Hall to-night, Marj. didn't like to keep her. We both felt all in to-night and went to bed early. Bright & sunny but a little cold N.W. wind. Very cold to-night.

Friday March 12th

I had to chase around this morning and get some rails cut up for the kitchen fire although I did manage to scrape up two pails of coal. We let the kitchen fire out last night and it was one of the coldest nights we have had dropping to below zero and freezing the pump in the kitchen. It was nearly 11.30 by the time I got over home and by the time Frank and I got Queen & old Charlie hooked to the waggon and down town it was noon, so we put the horses in the barn at Auntie's and had dinner there and then Quint went with Frank down to the lake and got me 1200 of soft coal. I went up to the dentists right after dinner and got some more of my teeth cleaned and then Frank and I came out here with the coal and Frank took the team back alone. In Mr. Parks last letter which came to-day, he says they are going to try to get before the judge as soon as Carden's papers arrive if they are in order and will not wait for Mrs. Dick to make her affadavit as if the judge goes by the ruling of a former chief justice and declares the property all realty instead of personalty they will not need to argue conversion anyway. Poor old Dick Faulmsbe died to-day. He was alone for a couple of days with pneumonia and then crawled out to the doctor. Bright but cold.

Saturday March 13th

I spent the fore noon doing chores around the house for Marj. as she has been baking and flying around getting ready for her party on Monday, and to-night the pantry displays a supply of provender in the form of pies cakes and tarts such as would give an appetite to a dyspeptic. I had to go over home this after noon to get Queen & the cutter so I walked on down town and took in a few eggs. I stopped at Art Quanbury's and spoke for some Jersey cream on Monday and I got a bottle of sour pickle for Dad's special benefit and also some beef steak to make Hamburg's for him as we didn't think he could chew roast beef without teeth. The sleighing is very bad but I got home all right with the cutter. Marj. forgot to set bread last night so she will have to bake to-morrow. Very cold.

Sunday March 14th

Marj. has been busier than ever to-day getting things straightened up and cleaned and trying to keep them that way which involves constant warfare with the kids. She baked bread and was a little disappointed in it although it was by no means a failure. She thought she hurried it a little too much as she

was afraid somebody would come in and catch her baking on Sunday. I helped her a little as I couldn't escape being caught in the vortex of her industrial activity but I am not cut out for big business so I went over and swept the school house and then went over to Trum's and got the milk. I was over there quite awhile talking to Trum. & Wilbur who with {Olph.?} & the kids were at Mrs. Walker's for dinner. Wilbur bought a milking Shorthorn cow down at the Caledonia sale and a Holstein heifer out at Challand's. He & Trum were discussing the merits of silos and sugar-jacks I never heard of the latter but it seems there are a lot of them being installed up west and Lorne Roberts is putting on it. As near as I can understand they make any kind of dry fodder into a food equivalent to silage but make it as it is used. Trum. has hauled a lot of gravel for a silo but has decided to abandon the idea of building as it means too much work at filling time. Froze hard last night but has been milder to-day.

Monday March 15th

It was a beautiful morning and very much milder but it clouded up and snowed about the time I went after Aunty and Aunty Alice so Aunty Alice predicted a bad day. She says it is always bad weather when they come out as it snowed the last time. There were only one or two little squalls of snow storms and the rest of the day was lovely. I went over to the farm to get them as Aunty Alice insisted on walking that far with Dick who rode out with Dad. and Enah. Dinner was ready by the time they all got here and went off in great shape. The pudding was prime Marj. was afraid all the time it was cooking that it might have gone mouldy or rancid or something hanging on the porch all winter but it was O.K. We only ate about half of it as it was bigger than it looked. Dorothy Mary in whose honour the party was slept as usual till the middle of the after noon but then woke up and enjoyed herself. Harry B. opened her presents that they brought her, and I suppose as it was all wearing apparel & cold cash, it didn't appeal to him much as he exclaimed "Well, this isn't much of a birthday!" but he enjoyed it never-the-less. Mabel came over after four and seemed rather dismayed to run into a party but she stayed to tea and for the evening so I went down and stayed to tea at Aunty's and went to band practice. I didn't hurry home after practice as Huby Quint

and Dick were all at Aunty's playing bridge and I thought Mabel would stay all night here, so it was about midnight when I got home. It was snowing hard a heavy wet snow when I left and by the time I got home I looked more like a snow drift than anything else. Marj. & Mabel were still up Marj. tired out and Mabel thinking she should go home. I tried to persuade her by telling her it was a brute of a night but she thought her aunty would be anxious so I took her and it was unwillingly that Queen & I turned back into that storm as we had both been thinking all the way home that of all domestic joys, crawling into a warm bed when cold & tired is about the chief one. It was so dark going over to the Walker's that we could hardly see the road, but when I turned to come home the road was lighted up as if it was moonlight under the clouds. I couldn't figure it out as I knew there was no moon and thought it was too late and the light too bright for the radial. When I turned the corner at the Winding Hill, I knew what was going on as the whole northern sky was luridly aglow with the ruddy flames of a fire. My first thoughts were of course of this place but I couldn't believe that this house could burst into flames when it was all right ten minutes before. However I was relieved when I got up the road where I could see the ridge of the barn black against the red sky. My first real guess was Willie Shand's barns but when I got to the top of the hill I could see them against the fire so I knew it was the Dove's place but couldn't tell whether it was the house or barns. I drove in here and told Marj. who was tired out and in bed that I would go over and if any of them needed shelter I would bring them back. Marj. said there was bedding warm that she had been getting ready for Mabel. I urged poor old Queen along as fast as I could and by this time it had stopped snowing. Harvey Shand's house was in darkness when I passed and I yelled in but didn't wake any of them. I heard another buggy behind me just about there and it proved to be Herb. Law who was just returning from seeing his girl. He & I arrived at the fire about the same time and tied our horses to the fence on the road. Just as I drove up I saw Wiillie Shand running across the snow from his place and when I got to the house, all that were there were Tom Stone & George his man and Willie Shand & Tom Aiken. Tom Aiken & George were throwing water on the

wood shed just back of the house but nothing else could be done as there was nothing but the walls of the house standing and the wind was blowing directly away from the barns. Tom Stone told me the family had escaped in their night clothes and were all over at his place. He said Norman who had grabbed his boots as he came out had come over and awakened them up and when he & George got over the whole place was in flames and nothing could be done. The family were out in the barn trying to huddle under a horse blanket and Edward was the only one who had anything on his feet. Tom told them for Heaven's sake to get over to his place so they hooked up and drove over. I stayed for awhile but as there was nothing to do I came home and got to bed at last. I knew Marj. would be wondering if I would be bringing anyone with me. I noticed when I got home a car came down the road from the north and another from the west.

Tuesday March 16th

Ina came this morning, and when Marj. told her of the Dove's disaster, she was very much concerned not only for them but for Nina, whom she knew would be in a very upset state as her nerves are so bad at any time, so Marj. suggested that she go over there instead of washing here. Marj. had hunted out a lot of underwear and other clothes and Ina mended at them till I had my breakfast and got ready to drive her over. We found Nina as we expected terribly agitated and hardly able to keep from crying as he talked to us. Tom. had gone down for the doctor for Mrs. Dove. They are afraid for her as she is so delicate and in no condition to stand such shock & exposure as she is expecting a baby next month I think. I stopped on my way back at the scene of the fire where old Dove and Edward were poking among the ruins. The old man pointed out several articles that he said were of no value in themselves but had a sentimental value to them and besides all their household utensils were brought with them from England and were better than they could buy here. Mrs. Dove had a chest of woollen blankets & bedding that she had brought from England and never used, and besides these things he had $125.00 in bills in his coat pocket. I came through Willie Shand's place and Willie said some of the neighbors were going to canvas the neighborhood this after noon for them. Willie & Tom Aiken went over to

Tom. Stones at 2 o'clock last night each with a bundle of clothes for them. We went down town this after noon as Marj. had to go to the dentist's. Aunty & Aunty Alice gave us a big bundle of good things for the Dove's, which I took over to-night when we got home. I met Ina on the road on her way home from Nina's and she told me that she & Mrs. Harvey Evans had been sewing all the after noon at the things that had been sent and were getting the family pretty well clothed. Just after I got there Fred Misener & Albert Gurney came in from a collecting tour with a whole buggy load of clothes and provisions & $36.00 in cash. Tom Stone & Willie Shand had collected a lot more stuff and cash. Charlie Shand was also out and Les Mitchell & someone else on the back road. I met Bill Donald & Lloyd Ryerse who had been at a sale west of Simcoe & Bill had been telling the story up there but as they were all strangers he only got about three dollars. He is going to Simcoe to-morrow however as it is dollar day for the sole purpose of collecting. They were not going to say anything about it to the Dove's but Fred Misener "blatted" as Nina said all out to Edward this morning and I heard him telling them all as they sat around Nina's tea table to-night that he thought "He & Albert done pretty good they got $36.00 but Willie & Tom beat us they got $38.00 "Albert Gurney" he said " has been out collecting all the after noon and he give five dollars. He says that little affair last fall" meaning the time Albert had Dove arrested for assault "is all forgot now." If Fred's brains were as active as his mouth he'd be a wonderful man. Fine day and not so cold.

Wednesday March 17th

Marj. didn't feel very well to-day so I didn't do much but help her a little in the house. Bertie & Norman Dove came here for dinner. Ina told me last night that they had them rigged out well enough to go to school so I told Nina to send them here for their dinner and save herself the trouble of putting up lunches for them. I cleaned out the colony house this after noon and to-night put the two black hens & the leghorn hen in there so that I can save the other eggs for Chris. Mr. Cornish was in here for a few minutes. He had been out to the Dove's with some clothes. Cousin Willie sent out $25.00 to them and a note of sympathy telling how well he could feel for them having had the same experience. Much milder to-day. It begins to feel like Spring at last.

Thursday March 18th

I had to be at the dentist's at 1.15 to-day so went down to Aunty's for dinner. I went over to the farm this morning to see if I could get a load of straw on the rack and then haul it out here this afternoon. Dad. wanted to get some cornstalks in before we changed the rack from the sleighs to the wheels so we went out and got a jag of them and by the time we got up to the house, it was time for me to leave so that I could get to Aunty's for dinner. I went to the dentists and had another pyorrhea treatment and he found another cavity which he filled. By the time I got back to the farm it was too late to put on a load of straw but we changed the rack and I got a bag of oats to take home. Dad. had a letter from Mr. Parks enclosing an opinion of Gavin Simmonds which Roper & Whatley had let him have, saying that they should get proof of the death of the doctor & nurse who attended Mrs. Dick and then less reliable sources of evidence whould be admitted to prove that her baby had a separate existence. If that could be proved Capt. Dick as next of kin of his son would in Gavin's opinion be able to include all the property except the real estate in his residuary estate and consequently it would go to Mrs. Dick. That is as nearly as I can understand it. Even in that case though Dad. would still get the ground rent of the London mansions which is £8000. a year and also the rentals from the Irish lands provided they don't trip him up on the name & arms clause and give it to Harry B. Mr. Parks thinks that Justice Romer will be governed by the decision of a former chief justice who in this case or a similar one declared all the property except the heirlooms to be realty in which case it all goes to the Barrett family. Fine & mild.

Friday March 19th

I drove over home this morning and Dad. helped me put on a good load of straw. The stack is about demolished. I didn't get over very early as I tried to dig a passage through the lane before I went but the snow is frozen so hard I decided it would take too long so will have to drive on the wheat for awhile yet. It was just about noon when we got the load on and it was starting to rain quite hard so I came right home thinking it might rain all the after noon. It didn't and was a beautiful mild spring like after noon with an occasional shower. It took me some time to put the straw off alone, and as I was late having my dinner and did a

few chores, by the time I got back here after taking the waggon home, it was dark. I took the old harrows over to John Evans for him to sharpen them. Dad. & Enah drove in about four with a bundle of clothes they were taking out to the Doves, who evidently will not lack for plumage.

Saturday March 20th

We all went to town again to-day and had dinner at Aunty's. Quint was there and had his new clock on the sideboard which he has been building for the last few weeks ~ clock not sideboard. It is walnut and certainly is a beauty. Marj. had to go to the dentists this after noon and Quint and I went up and got Aunty's mail stopping in for awhile to visit Mr. McLean in his workshop. He is another worker in walnut. Dad. & Enah were down Dad's tooth is still very sore. Another mild Spring day but rather cloudy.

Sunday March 21st

I swept the school house out this morning and did a few odd chores and about noon Marj. & Harry B went up to the Shands. Marj. wanted to see Flossie about taking the Dove kids for dinner. Marj. has had them all this last week and Flossie said they would take them some time as Marj. has to go to the dentist again to-morrow she wanted to be free of them. She left me to boil the potatoes and feed Gay. and said she would be back as soon as Flossie got home from church. I boiled the vegetables but Gay went to sleep before they were done so I had a most enjoyable and peaceful read till the baby woke up and then I played with her as I didn't know what to feed her. Marj. Harry B & Flossie came back about half past four and Flossie stayed for awhile and then Marj. got me some dinner and I did up my chores. Beautiful day.

Monday March 22nd

I spent the fore noon cleaning the two chicken houses, as the dropping boards hadn't been cleaned all winter it was quite a job. I let the chickens all out as it was a lovely day and let the chicken house floors stay bare all day to dry and then put straw in to-night. We all went to town this after noon and Marj. and I both went to the dentists and got finished up with him. We left all the kids at the farm as Aunty & Aunty Alice went to Simcoe to get a carpet - but didn't have any luck. They were home before we left town. We saw three robins in Jack Martin's colony field on our way home. Very mild S.E. wind raining a little to-night.

Tuesday March 23rd

This has been a very disagreeable day. Cloudy raw east wind and raining or snowing most of the time. I cleaned out the cellar but as I didn't work at it very hard it took me most of the day. It was in bad shape as all the old pumpkins & squash that I put down there had rotted. I have been cudgelling my brains all day to figure out some way of relieving our financial situation as it seems useless to wait much longer for the fortune to come. We are about $300.00 in debt besides the mortgage of $300 and I have got to do some fencing this year and the barn needs shingling. I also want to get a couple of good cows and set out some more fruit and if I could only finance it would try to run my brooder again and raise about 500 chickens. We looked over my insurance policy and could borrow about $225.00 or $280 after the next premium is paid on it, but that wouldn't pay our debts, so I think I will have to try and raise about $700 on a mortgage if I can find the money.

Wednesday March 24th

I went over home this morning and Frank & I bagged up a few oats for me before dinner and this after noon took them to the mill and went on down town and got some groceries, coal oil, my can of milk at the dairy, and some feed at Billy Laings then came back by the mill and got our chop. It was nearly five when we got to the farm so left the load there and I drove home in the buggy. I saw Chris and spoke for space in his incubator for enough eggs to hatch 500 chicks and he said he could put them in next week or the week after but advised waiting till the week after next as he thought they would hatch better. I also spoke to Hall for 100 rods of fence & 50 steel posts so will have to raise money some place. Dad. counsels waiting awhile and if I have to mortgage going to Frank Reid. He got two letters from Mr. Parks to-day saying that all the counsel think it would be unwise to try to get before the judge until this premature baby case is settled & proved as the judge would probably shelve the case anyway till then, so Mr. Parks says it will be the middle of April after the Easter vacation anyway before the case comes up. He said Mr. Farwell, my Counsel, was going to see Gavin Simmonds privately and suggest a settlement as there is the possibility of them appealing the judges decision if it goes against them and that would cause more delay. Dick wrote Aunty saying Nita is very dangerously ill in the hospital. Mild, rain to-night.

Thursday March 25th

I drove over home this morning to get my load of stuff that I left there yesterday but Dad. said that he would hook Pommers & old Charlie up and bring it out for me and save me coming back with Queen so I took out a bag of oat chop & the coal oil in the buggy and was in no hurry for the rest so Dad. said they wouldn't be out with it to-day as he trimmed Pommers feet this morning while I was there and wouldn't get out before dinner and wanted to write Mr. Parks this after noon. I came home to dinner and spent most of the after noon taking down the old wire fence along the west side of the orchard that the cows had so much fun jumping over all last fall. I won't put it up there again but move it over to the brow of the hill along the trees where it evidently was originally & include the strip between the orchard & the woods. I don't know what Charlie's idea was in putting it up where he did anyway, but I have never been able to figure out Charlie's ideas in making any of the changes he did. There must have been something divine about Charlie, he worked in such a mysterious way his wonders to perform. Ina was here to-day. Fine day with rather cold west wind.

Friday March 26th

I spent most of the day rolling up the wire that was on the orchard fence. It took me quite awhile until I got on to the job to roll it and keep it from springing. I rolled each strand separately and found that by rolling in a zig-zag way I could keep it tight. I finished a little before four and then cut a soft maple that was dead at the top and got it trimmed up. Fine, cold wind, freezing to-night.

Saturday March 27th

I cut a beech down below the house this morning that was dead at the top, and just got it down when Marj. wanted me to go over to Mrs Lampkin's to buy some buttermilk I started over but saw Dad. & Frank & Tim coming with my chop so came back. Dad. wanted me to go back with them as Dick was to be at the farm for dinner and he wanted a family gathering to discuss Mr. Parks last letter. He said in it that he had found out that Mrs. Dick's prematurely born child's birth was never registered but that Mr. Farwell my counsel had had a chat with Gavin Simmonds and had suggested a settlement with him for £5000 or £10,000 but Gavin had refused to consider the offer saying

there were too many of the Right Heirs for it to be divided among but that they might be tempted by an offer of £50,000 which Mr. Farwell said was out of the question. Simmonds said further that he would fight it to the House of Lords if necessary. Dick is of the opinion that it is all crooked work and would like to them do their "durnbest" but we all agreed that it would be better to settle with them even for £50,000 than to have them appeal the case and cause indefinite delay. Of course they have yet to prove that the child was born alive and if they fail to do that will have no basis for a claim. Mr. Parks thinks their chances are slim even if they do prove a separate existence, as he is of the opinion and so are the other counsels that the judge will declare the property all realty, he also thinks that the fact that the birth of the child was never registered will go much against them but he thinks it would be better to settle than have the uncertainty of them appealing although he thinks that is a bluff. He said he might go down to Wales where the baby was born and see if he could find out any thing either from the local undertaker or Capt. Dick's gardener about its burial. Dick got back from Toronto last night and says Nita is better and didn't have to undergo an operation after all. He talks of going back to work after Easter. He & Dad. went down town after dinner and I went over as far as Martin's with them to see Chris. He said my eggs tested pretty well. I came home about three and spent the rest of the day doing chores. Harry B has been quite upset the last couple of days and Marj. is trying to keep him on a strict diet but as the poor kid is half starved he cant resist stealing any morsel of forbidden food that he finds, which causes considerable turmoil in the camp, as well as in his "innards" Cold. N.W. wind.

Sunday March 28th

I didn't do much but chores and sit around and read to-day. Marj. Harry B & Gay went over to the Lampkins for about an hour or so at noon and this after noon I went over to Trum's and got the milk. I let the cows out this morning and for the first time they crossed the creek and went down to the end of the gully and got out on the alfalfa so I put up the bars there and then they got out here where I took the orchard fence down. Cloudy & cold raw NW wind.

Monday March 29th

I went over to Willie Shands this morning and spoke for some eggs to set. He thought they could let me have 20 doz. by a week from Thursday. Ina thinks they could save 15 doz. and we should have 15 doz. of our own and I saw Art Quanbury this after noon and he thinks he could let me have 15 doz. I still want 15 doz to make up to 80. Marj. & I drove down town this after noon and took Harry B leaving the other two with Ina. Marj. wanted to get some wallpaper & muresed {Muresco} to prepare for house cleaning next week.