November 1899

22. Fine day, slight frost every night. Sir William died. Hugh McLennan of Montreal, formerly of Lancaster, died suddenly yesterday. It was a shock to his friends. I sent a letter to Jamie & one to Stanley. Pa got an answer from D.H. and a postal order for $65.

23. Fine, cold day.

24. Murdie went to Kenyon. Took little reins, got the P.O. cashes.

25. Marvin sent for some things to Eaton's. Sent for two sets of under wear 2.82 & for etc. etc. Her order was $3.35. 7 lbs tea 30.

26. Cold day. I was not in church. Pa is not well.

27. Murdie went north, a long mild day. The sheriff called. Our taxes are $3.21. 26 lbs butter 5 ½ cts. Mrs. Clarke paid $2.00. Colville’s order 23. Codfish 20.

28. Favorable news from N. Dist. ¾ gal alecia 3, 1 spool 13, thread 4.

29. Fine day.

30. Murdie left for Apple Hill yesterday and got home today with the things. The annual meeting of the Bible Society. Mr. Reid the agent gave a good address. My hay. This has been a very exciting month for the British nation. They have a great number of men in Africa, they fought several decisive battles with the Boers, they are confident of success, and have taken three out of ten places. But in the Bronx they have a different foe to fight more like themselves.

December 1899

1. Friday. Very fine. Mercury up to 49.

2. Fine warm rain. Calm, like spring. Nothing much about the war, the Canadians continue to go in Tuesday. 7 lbs cheese 70 cts, 21 lbs butter $2.26, 55 lbs turkey. Called at E.J.'s this evening. Mrs. McVicar and Mr. Taylor were well. It began to rain and blow fair.

3. Not many in church.

4. Fine day, kind of hard. 7 ½ gal coal oil 20. Bird & I made a large washing.

5. Snow this morning, but not enough for sleighing. 29 ½ lbs butter 65 cts, 7 ½ gal molasses 25 cts.

6. Some snow today. Little rain. Mercury was up to 6 above zero this morning and it is rising. It is about 40° and a fine day for butter. 25 lbs of tea 30, 27 lbs butter $2.04½, 33 lbs ¾ gal coal oil.

7. Pretty cold, mercury down to zero. Had a letter from Jamie today written on the Bohemian. Mailed on Nov. 16th on a steamer they met on the other side of Cape Slate islands. 7 lbs tea 30, 27 lbs butter 2.04½, 33, ¾ gal coal oil.

8. Cold damp day. I was out in church. I have a bad cold.

9. Made a washing, hung the clothes in hall. Began to rain, rained all day.

10. Rain all day. The snow is all off. Murdie went north yesterday, did not get back yet. 7:30 P.M.

11. Fine mild mercury up to 30. Jessie and Edith McRae, E. J. Laland called. Jessie, McDonald. McRae is very still. Turned up in the afternoon. Murdie got home about 5:30.