struck five just as I was ploughing through the snow under the hickory nut tree over here in Martin's field and I didn't waste very much time in getting to bed. It has been a nice day

Saturday February 26th

I didn't get up till half past ten this morning as nobody woke me. I did wake up up when Frank got up at seven and thought of getting up then, but before I could get the proposition properly turned over in my mind, I had got myself comfortably turned over in bed and knew no more till ten thirty. Frank and Dad did chores and when I got out Frank and I chinked the load of ice Dad got yesterday and packed in sawdust while Dad. went down and got another load before dinner. This after noon Dad. took a load of ice down to the cheese factory as all the farmers are hauling one load for Lea Marshall. Frank and I did chores and Alan Law brought us over a load of ice. He said he wasn't going to be done out of hauling one load for us as it might be his last one if they move away. He was half way up the hill on his way home when he saw Dad. drive into the ice platform so he came back and offered to take a load over on his way home. Dad. didn't get home till late and was about frozen he brought a load of coal back with him, he said he had to break a track all the way down and it filled up as fast as he made it. Frank drove Enah down town this after noon to a supper and entertainment the ladies of the I.O.D.E. gave to the soldiers and cadets. I stayed in the house in case Tid. woke up and started to write this but went to sleep, however the baby didn't wake up till Dad. got home, we had tea with out Enah and about half past nine I drove down to Aunty Alices and got her. Cousin Clare came up up to-night from Hamilton very unexpectedly to stay for a week. The two latest recruits to sign up with the 133rd are to say the least a variety, they being Jonas Green and Ed. Moon. Neither have been examined yet so I don't think there is any chance of Jonas being accepted as he is terribly ruptured and it seems to be uncertain whether Ed is going in the ranks or is going to train for an officer. The war news for the week has not been very cheering. The big German offensive has become a terrific and desperate drive concentrated on the French line around Verdun. The French are falling back closer to the Verdun forts and will no doubt do every thing in their power to hold it as if it falls the road will be open for Paris, and those who should know say that if the Huns enter Paris, London will be in a very grave predicament. Very blizzardy day and snowing hard to-night.

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