Thursday, January 1, 1942 – New Year’s Day 1942. No more will we live in 1941. It has passed on forever. We must leave it behind, with all our mistakes and failures; with all that we tried to do. God, only, knows the depths of our sorrows, and the heights of our joys. He has been our helper and friend in the year that is passed; and, if we still follow him, he will guide is through another, if he spares us to live. And will give us peace and happiness in our hearts, if we keep his company, and trust his promises. This was (a) mild, moderate day: filled with peace. The service at 11 a.m. was very earnest and reverent. Intercession to Almighty God for the peace of the world. Half of us attended the service. Harry, Don, Lee Blaikie and Stanley Doane were here from Truro. Harry was here to tea.

Friday, January 2, 1942 – Dark and windy; and in the p.m. the rain came in torrents some of the time; it is a rough night. The wind is blowing – and the rain falling. Was in Mr. Margeson’s this a.m. They are as usual. The Ladies’ Aid was at Edna’s this p.m. Those present were: Mrs. J. D. Cox, Mrs. Sproule, Mrs. H. T. Fulton, Mrs. G. R. Deyarmond, Mrs. Graham Fulton, Mrs. Alex Fulton, Mrs. Martin S. Fulton, Mrs. Roy Blaikie of course (as she was hostess) & I. Guess, as far as I know, all reached home in safety.

Saturday, January 3, 1942 – A windy, pretty fine day. Cool. We were quiet today. I was in Mr. Margeson’s a while in the p.m. Alice & Glenn are at H. J. Fulton’s store, as is their custom on Saturday night. Leonard Johnson made us a nice call this a.m.

Sunday, January 4, 1942 – Sabbath. It was nice clean walking today. There were some snow squalls toward night; but it was not very cold. We were all at church. The minister’s sermon was on, “The boyhood of Jesus.” Morris was away in the p.m. Glenn and Alice were calling at Esson Brown’s. Ruth and George were in to see me a while.

Monday, January 5, 1942 – We had quite a storm of wind and rain in the night, but it did not storm much today – only cloudy and cool. Alice washed the clothes, and got part of the ironing done. Shirley and Nina were at Annie Wood’s to spend then p.m. and to tea. This is Badminton night. I guess the girls are there – and Morris. Had letters from F. J. B., E. M. B. and C. R. B. Sent a letter to Mabel Redden in Morris’, & I think Mrs. J. B. Moir. Roy was in a while. It’s so nice to (blank).

Tuesday, January 6, 1942 – Quite a nice day. Snowing some tonight. We ironed in the forenoon – or I did, and Shirley finished their’s (colored clothes) in the p.m. Alice went to her mother’s in the afternoon and came home just as we finished tea. Glenn had Donald Fulton on the truck today, as G. R. & wife went to Truro. Sent a parcel to F. J. B.

Wednesday, January 7, 1942 – Fine but cold. I was mending some today; also knit some. Wrote a letter; was quite well. Alice and Shirley are at Evening Auxiliary, which is held at Mrs. Warren Butcher’s. Glenn saw Burnham Stewart in Truro yesterday, and he told him that he was on his way to Camp Borden, Ont., to see his son Hector, who is seriously ill with ulcers of the stomach; Hector is in training there; and Burnham was advised of his illness by wire.

Thursday, January 8, 1942 – A cold fine day; 2º below zero this a.m., and the wind was cold. I just knit most of the time. Heard Ed MacHugh singing over the radio; have not heard him for months. The W. M. S. was held at Mrs. J. D. Cox’s this p.m. Mrs. J. W. Benvie became a member; and Mrs. Edson Cox expects to go away for the winter months – to C. B. Mrs. Cox treated us to a cup of (milk & water) tea and cake, in honor of these two members. This is a cold night. Wrote to E. M. B. today Had letters from E. F. B. and V. J. B.

Friday, January 9, 1942 – A cold morning; pretty cold all day but the sun shone, except for a few snow squalls two or three times. Pretty cold tonight. Was in Mr. Margeson’s an hour or two this p.m. All except Nina, Tom, the little ones, and I, are at the congregational meeting tonight; we got word of Aunt Martha Fleck’s death, which occurred yesterday, at her daughter’s, Mrs. W. D. Isnor’s, 21 Duke St., Truro. Funeral is to be held in the South Branch Church tomorrow. Had a letter from Mrs. B. M.

Saturday, January 10, 1942 – Snowy most of the day; but not windy or very cold. There is snow for sledding now. After dinner, Glenn, Alice and I went to the manse, and Mr. & Mrs. Sproule went with us to South Branch, to the church, to the funeral of our dear Aunt Martha Fleck. There was a large funeral, considering the stormy day. Rev. Mr. Sproule read comforting passages from the Bible; The Lord’s My Shepherd, choice verses from John 14, and in Thessalonians. A short discourse from ‘Peace’ was given. Hymn (Psalm) 637 – The Lord’s My Shepherd, and Abide with Me (550) were sung. Three short prayers were offered. There were nice flowers. Aunt Martha was laid to rest in the South Branch Cemetery. The cemetery is on or beside the home of her child hood. She rests beside Uncle Sol, the husband of her youth, who passed away over 30 years ago. But there is comfort in the thought that she believed in that Blessed Hope which brings peace to many troubled hearts, amid depression and sorrow. We go, and leave our dear ones sleeping, but they are not forgotten; Aunt Martha’s pleasant face, and cheery ways will not soon fade away from our memories. As another dear one, now passed away, said of her, “Little Martha, she never leaves one with a heavy heart.” Her life was far from being all roses, yet she tried to make the best of it. Choir practice is being held tonight, as the annual congregational meeting was on last evening.

Sunday, January 11, 1942 – Sabbath. A lively fine day. Cold last night. We did not take the car to church; the walking was good. There were 86 at church. The sermon was about John the Baptist: about his having a hard time in life; and dying a cruel death. Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper is to be dispensed in the church next Sabbath (D. V.) We had a quiet afternoon. I think Alice was at Roy’s a while; and the girls for a call or walk some place. Morris did not go to Y. P. S. C. E.

Monday, January 12, 1942 – A nice fine day. Clothes dried and we got them ironed. Alice put her of somebody’s quilt on the frames, and is quilting at it. The girls and boys here went to Badminton, but returned early, as they wished to hear Charles Dickens’ “Tale of Two Cities” on the radio. We heard it but it was very much abridged.

Tuesday, January 13, 1942 – Pretty fine, not very cold, but chilly tonight. I think Glenn, and G. R. (Bob) Deyarmond were to Stewiacke (Dickie’s Mill) two trips today. Leslie was with them the last one. Robert and Paul Sproule were here with Leslie in the p.m.

Wednesday, January 14, 1942 – Cold wind; 18º below zero this a.m. Alice went and got the loan of Mrs. Martin Fulton’s quilting frames this a.m. Mr. Martin Fulton took and left them at the hall; and the Y. L. Club quilted two quilts at the hall; Olive Blaikie, Edwin Blaikie’s wife, served supper: it being her turn to have “Club.” Sent a letter to F. J. B.; and receive one from E. M. B.

Thursday, January 15, 1942 – Rather windy: a slight snow squall or two. Glenn and G. R. Deyarmond hauling lumber to Stewiacke; Alice quilting. Was mending and knitting most of the time. Sent a letter to Janie Collings & Alice, her daughter, today, and received one from Janie. Was in to see Mrs. Margeson a little while this p.m. Tom Fulton and Morris Blaikie did not go to Badminton.

Friday, January 16, 1942 – Rather chilly, but did not storm. Not much went on about here as far as I know. Roy has gone to Brookfield for Edna, who has been visiting Alda for a few days; Ruth and Nina went too. Shirley, Thelma and Morris went to preparatory service which is held in the hall tonight; choir practice afterward.

Saturday, January 17, 1942 – Sunshiny and cold, wit a chilling wind. Alice went to Mrs. Hamilton’s this p.m. Leslie went, too. They came back in the evening. I went to Roy’s and spent the p.m., this being his birthday. It was nice to see them all. Was there to tea; Glenn was in after tea, and I came home with him. Morris has a cold.

Sunday, January 18, 1942 – Sabbath. A fair, bright, sunshiny day. We all attended the service at church at 11 a.m. It was the Sacramental Service. The sermon was from Ephesians 2:8 “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God.: The whole number of elders – from South Branch and Upper Stewiacke were present. Viz, Alex Fulton, J. D. Cox, Roy Blaikie, J. W. Benvie, Ross C. Johnson, and D. Morris Blaikie, Upper Stewiacke, and Lester Creelman, and Alfred C. Teas, South Branch. Quite a number of people of South Branch attended the meeting. Edith Goodwin, teacher at Cross Roads, was here this afternoon. I began reading Henry Drummond’s “Love the Greatest Thing in the World.” Alice was to see the Margesons in the p.m.

Monday, January 19, 1942 – Another nice day of sunshine and wind. A good day for drying the clothes. Alice got the washing all dried, brought in and all her white clothes ironed. Had a letter from F. J. B. Morris & the girls are at Badminton.

Tuesday, January 20, 1942 – A rainy day – not all day, but there was rain in the night, and this a.m. was very wet; very bad walking. Guess they worked in the mill most of the day. Alice spent the p.m. at A. P. Fulton’s. Shirley went visiting over the river – at Gordon Stewart’s & (blank).

Wednesday, January 21, 1942 – Snow all off. Sent a letter to E. M. B. Was in Roy’s a little while. Nine has a sore throat, and is home from school.

Thursday, January 22, 1942 – A rather cold, but nice sunny day. Was not feeling very strong; but guess it does not amount to much; Dr. McLeod was in, but did not think I needed anything: lots of liquids are good for one. Glenn got a barrel of apples today.

Friday, January 23, 1942 – Something like yesterday; not so much sunshine. Was not out of doors. Just knitted and sewed. We heard of the death of Mrs. John Creelman, being dead in the C. C. Hospital; and Mrs. Jessie Murray of North River at her home.

Saturday, January 24, 1942 – Not cold; was not out doors today. I finished a pair of socks for the Red Cross, and read a little. Nina had the C. G. I. T. meeting here tonight. I do not know much to write. Sent a letter to Grace M.

Sunday, January 25, 1942 – Sabbath. Sunshiny, and cold. Some wind. All of us at church except Glenn. Mr. Sproule preached on the baptism of Jesus; I think – he read different accounts of it, anyway. Two of the hymns sung were ones which Freda and I repeat often; Oh Love That Will Not Let Me Go, and Breathe on Me Breath of God. George was in this p.m. and came in to see me; it is kind of him to come in and see me in my room. Alice was to see Mr. and Mrs. Margeson this p.m. Alda and her mother called; Alda and Eldon were at Roy’s.

Monday, January 26, 1942 – A cold sunshiny day. Clothes washed & dried. Most of them ironed. We had a nice afternoon call from Mrs. Bessie Fulton MacDonald of Caledonia, Guys. Co., a friend of long ago. Mrs. Lester Deyarmond and little Terry were with her she is visiting Mrs. Deyarmond; Lester has enlisted. Then Cyrus F. Graham, Burnside, had tea with us, and in the evening Jean Blaikie Cox came in and we had a nice tome; she had not been in for some time. “The Boys”, Tom and Morris, did not go to Badminton. Mrs. H. P. Cox is very seriously ill.

Tuesday, January 27, 1942 – Snowing all day; no wind; snow light. Roy went (blank) and brought a nurse to Mrs. Henry Cox’s. Mrs. Cox is not any better; is still unconscious. Alice was to call at Mrs. Margeson’s. It is evening now, and I am quiet in my room.

Wednesday, January 28, 1942 – A lovely fine day; After dinner I was taken to Mrs. Lester Deyarmond’s (nee Jean Cox) and their Aunt Mrs. J. MacDonald of Lower Caledonia, Guysborough Co., who is visiting there, and was a friend of mine many years ago. Glenn brought me home in the evening, having spent a very pleasant afternoon. Had letters from Mrs. H. P. Tupper, sister Janie Collings & Alice, and my niece Mrs. Lloyd Sarcy.

Thursday, January 29, 1942 – A stormy day. The mill did not run. Mrs. H. P. Cox is a little improved. A slight hope that she may, at least, partly recover. Mr. Sproule was in tonight. We like to see him. Aunt Jessie wrote today; Mrs. H. P. Tupper wrote yesterday.

Friday, January 30, 1942 – A very stormy, snowy day. Roads blocked. No mail; the mail man did not get back to Brookfield yesterday; and not probably today. The school was small. No work could be done at the mill, so Tom Fulton went home. Morris was to see the Margeson’s. Nina went to school, but Freda and Leslie did not go.

Saturday, January 31, 1942 – A fine, sunshiny day. The men were breaking out the roads today; they were down as far as Otter Brook this a.m. In the p.m. they were shoveling roads to the mill etc. Morris, George and Richard Wood went to Truro. Glenn and Alice are away to the store for supplies, as usual on Saturday eves. The church fire has to be attended most of the night, so as to have the church warm tomorrow.

Sunday, February 1, 1942 – Sabbath. Dark and rather stormy this a.m. Cloudy and misty but not stormy in the p.m. and evening. A few peopled assembled for church this morning, but they had only a sing song of hymns and no service. There is Y. P. S. C. E. tonight.

Monday, February 2, 1942 – Cloudy, but not cold. Just knit and was at Roy’s a short time this p.m. Mrs. Alex called at Edwin’s, Roy’s and here. Also Olive was in. I do not often see her. Alice was in to Mrs. Margeson’s a little while. Wrote to F. J. B. Mrs. Henry Cox is very ill. Mrs. Nancy J. Butcher died today.

Tuesday, February 3, 1942 – Not so cold this a.m., cold tonight. Knitted and patched a little. Mrs. Cox is not better. Robert and Paul Sproule were here this p.m. Olive Blaikie was in.

Wednesday, February 4, 1942 – Rather cold, but fine, and windy. Was in Mr. Margeson’s this p.m. Mrs. Margeson was in bed – she had a poorly turn; I did not see her. Mr. Margeson is none too well. Mrs. Henry Cox died this morning about 9:30, we heard. Roy was to Stewiacke. Had a letter from F. J. B.

Thursday, February 5, 1942 – Cold this a.m., but got milder through the day; there was nice sunshine. We were gladdened by a nice visit from Mrs. Bessie (Fulton) MacDonald, who came to have dinner with us. We enjoyed her little visit so much! She left to go to Mrs. Lester Deyarmond’s where she is visiting a little while. In the p.m. we had Ladies’ Aid. Those present were Mrs. Alex Fulton, Mrs. Martin Fulton, Mrs. S. G. Fulton, Mrs. Roy Blaikie, Mrs. G. R. Deyarmond, Mrs. William MacMillan, Mrs. Sproule, Miss Jennie Miller, Miss Ella Schurman, and Miss Evelyn Ralston. There was choir practice tonight.

Friday, February 6, 1942 – A day of brilliant sunshine, but cold. I was at Roy’s a short time this a.m. Alda came from Brookfield in the truck with G. R. Deyarmond and Glenn, to Edna’s to attend the funeral of Mrs. Henry P. Cox, which was held in the church at 2 p.m. Mr. Sproule and Mr. MacInnis were both in the pulpit. A large funeral. The text was (blank). They did not start the mill after they came home. Tom went to Brookfield with Glenn; and Roy went to see some mill, and looked it over. Alice went to her mother’s after the funeral.

Saturday, February 7, 1942 – Fine again; lovely sunshine. A quiet day. Shirley was packing to go to Normal College, Nina attending the church. We had a little visit from Mrs. Bessie MacDonald this p.m. Freda recited her 8 year memory verses from the Bible to her S. School teacher, Mrs. Philip Cox, this p.m. Alice went to the store with Glenn. Mrs. Fred Rutherford & Miss Goodwin called this evening.

Sunday, February 8, 1942 – Sabbath. A rainy, slippery day. No church service. Very quiet. George Blaikie was here to dinner. Joyce Deyarmond and Ruth Blaikie called a little while.

Monday, February 9, 1942 – A very mild, cloudy day, slightly damp. Daylight Saving Time began today; or it was supposed that people would set their timepieces ahead an hour at 2 a.m., though some people did it before. Alice washed, but the clothes did not dry. Shirley went to Truro to attend Normal College this a.m. She boards at Mrs. Charles A. Blaikie’s where Florence boarded thirty years ago, when she attended the C. C. Academy. Was in Mrs. Margeson’s this p.m. Olive was to see me a little while. It was nice to have her. Tom did not go to Badminton; Morris and Nina are there.

Tuesday, February 10, 1942 – Quite mild this morning; cold tonight. Just a quiet day; we are lonely with Shirley away. But trust she is getting along well, though. Glenn, and G. R. were trucking; the mill was working as usual. We are rationing sugar now.

Wednesday, February 11, 1942 – Looked a little like a storm this a.m. but just a few flakes of snow fell once or twice, and quite a fine day. Cold tonight. Was in Roy’s a little while this p.m. Alice went to Y. L. C. at Mrs. Wm. MacMillan’s. Jean Blaikie Cox was in this p.m., also Mrs. Arnold Wood and Audrey, her daughter; we had a nice time.

Thursday, February 12, 1942 – Dark and chilly. W. M. S. was held at the manse this p.m. Mrs. Alex Fulton, Mrs. George Bentley, Mrs. J. W. Benvie, Mrs. W. D. Kennedy, Mrs. Roy Blaikie, Mrs. Martin S. Fulton, who joined the society today, Mrs. Sproule and myself were there. We had a good meeting. Mrs. J. D. Cox is laid by with a slight stroke of paralysis. She is in bed. G. W. Miller has had a heart attack. Was in H. T. Fulton’s store; met Miss MacKenzie, the nurse who attends H. T. Fulton; he has changed a lot since I saw him; his health is very poor. Mrs. Dr. MacLeod and Little Jimmie were in toe store, too. Nina went to Badminton. Letter from Lola Mason.

Friday, February 13, 1942 – Not very cold, a little snow fell at intervals, but not too amount to much. Was in Roy’s a little while this a.m. Sent a letter to Aunt Jessie, and had one from Mrs. Lloyd Sarcy. Alice went to a mother and daughter banquet put on by the C. G. I. T.

Saturday, February 14, 1942 – A little cloudy this a.m.; fine with cold wind p.m. Was in Mr. Margeson’s this afternoon. Mrs. M was in bed with her sore side; he has a sore mouth. After being in Mr. Margeson’s I went to see Olive a little while. She is such good company; I like to spend an hour or two with her. Then I came home. Wrote to E. M. B., K. B. and Mrs. E. Cox.

Sunday, February 15, 1942 – Sabbath. A gray February day. Chilly wind. All of us at church. C. G. I. T. and Trail Rangers had the service – minister preached. Nellie, Harry, Lee, Mary and our Shirley came just (at) dinner; they were at Roy’s to tea, all except Shirley. Went back to Truro about 8:30. Roy & Edna came for a little afterward. Morris did not go to Y. P. S. C. E.

Monday, February 16, 1942 – Fine, sunshiny day, with chilly wind. The new seats were put into the advanced or ‘Big’ room at school. It is the one where the whole school is kept now. Robert & Paul Sproule were up to play with Leslie p.m. Freda is going to sleep with me tonight. Had a letter from Aunt Margaret Webster, Canton, Maine.

Tuesday, February 17, 1942 – Rather cold, with a little snow falling occasionally. It is dark tonight. The storm was, so that they stopped sawing about 4 p.m. Glenn and G. R. took lumber to Stewiacke, and then went to Truro to get the truck greased; they returned before or at tea time. A card party with lunch was held in the hall; just Nina, Glenn and Morris attended from here.

Wednesday, February 18, 1942 – Cold, piercing wind. A quiet day to me as most days are. Was sewing and knitting, and over to Mrs. Margeson’s a little while after tea. Mrs. Margeson was able to be up a little while. Alice was down to Mrs. G. R. Deyarmond’s.

Thursday, February 19, 1942 – Bright, sunshiny and not cold. I finished mending the quilt. Was in Roy’s a while. Tom went to Badminton. Morris did not go. Nothing much to write.

Friday, February 20, 1942 – Snow squalls, clouds and a little sunshine. Mended a little this a.m. In the p.m. the World’s Day of Prayer was observed; the W. M. S., Evening Auxiliary and C. G. I. T. members met at the manse for this purpose. The program in the Feb. number of the Missionary Monthly was carried on: prayers for the help of the people of this world were read, asking God’s help in all countries. Miss Bessie MacDonald called while I was away; was sorry not to have seen her. Mrs. Alex Fulton called a little while when we came home. Shirley came home with Glenn for the weekend. Will Cox was in this evening, soliciting Victory Bonds. Wrote to F. J. B.

Saturday, February 21, 1942 – Not cold; snow squalls. Had a letter from Aunt Jessie Cooke, Halifax, today. She is frail and is 83 years of age. After dinner Glenn took me to spend the p.m. at Mrs. Lester Deyarmond’s; and Mrs. Jimmie MacDonald, who is spending a few weeks with Mrs. Deyarmond and little Terry. Glenn came for me after tea. This was dear sister Edith’s birthday – if she were living she would be 70 years old. Morris went to Truro late this p.m. The war goes on taking its dreadful toll of lives and destruction; but some day and some way it will stop. God knows when; we cannot tell anything of the end. We must “Wait and be still.”

Sunday, February 22, 1942 – Sabbath. A fine sunny day. Cold wind. All at church except Glenn. He was up late – attending the church fire, and was tired probably. Mr. Sproule spoke on the temptations with which Satan tried to entice Jesus to sin. Shirley was invited to the manse to dinner. When she came back, Glenn took her to Truro to Uncle Charlie’s, where she is boarding. Freda and Leslie accompanied them. Alice was over to Mr. Margeson’s to call on them, and see how they were getting along.

Monday, February 23, 1942 – It snowed at intervals all day; but only fine stuff. The clothes dried and we ironed them. Edith and Nina got up from Stewiacke East in time for school. Mr. Eddie Goodwin brought them up: it as he who took them down. Flora, Edith’s mother, is not well at all: but she has not one to help her, and tries to get her work done as best she can. Morris is at Badminton; Tom, not. There does not seem to be anything to write. Wrote to Jean Tupper and Mrs. S. P. C. today.

Tuesday, February 24, 1942 – Not so very cold. Wind chilly, some. I sewed and knitted some. Morris went to bed. Was in Roy’s a while. It is nice to be out of doors. Heard of the death of Mrs. Robert Wright, who was at Percy Goodwin’s, living there, a while during the fall and fore part of the winter, has passed away, at Alton, at the residence of his son, Gordon, I believe.

Wednesday, February 25, 1942 – Quite cloudy. Looks like a storm tonight. I patched, and knitted most of the day. Leslie went with G. R. and Glenn, when they went to (blank) this p.m. Was in the house mostly all day. Morris getting his hair cut tonight. Wrote to E. M. B.

Thursday, February 26, 1942 – Windy and cloudy, with a little fine snow falling, toward night. Was upstairs most of the day. The war news grows darker, but God rules the world, and his purpose will be shown in time to come. It is our service to wait & trust. There is a box social in the hall tonight. Glenn, Leslie and I are not there.

Friday, February 27, 1942 – A little snow fell, off and on, most of the day. The wind blew too, drifting the roads. The Otter Brook Road is drifted, and probably more places between here and Brookfield, as there was no mail from there today. The mill was not running this p.m. Morris is at choir practice. They had $48.55 from the proceeds of the basket social last eve. G. R. Deyarmond was not here today. Graham Fulton butchered the pigs this p.m. Wrote to W. J. B., 5518 S. W., 7^th St., Miami, Florida.

Saturday, February, 28, 1942 – Mild; cloudy and hazy. The truck axle being broken, no trip was taken to deliver lumber. A Mr. Fancy, from Blaikie’s Garage, Truro, brought an axle and fixed it – the axle. Mr. Fancy dined here. The C. G. I. T. met as usual tonight.

Sunday, March 1, 1942 – Sabbath. A fine, sunny day. Freda has a bad cold, and she and her mother were home from church. Edith Goodwin stayed here for tea. She was not at church, but came down in the p.m. and went to the manse to come back with Nina, who had gone down there. They went to the Y. P. S. C. E. after tea, and Edith went home to Mr. Rutherford’s. Edwin and Olive were at Brookfield. Mrs. G. R. Deyarmond called here, at Roy’s and at Mrs. Margeson’s. Morris was at Mr. Margeson’s too. Mr. Sproule’s text today was, Remember the Sabbath Day, to keep it holy. It was on the old ways, of keeping Sabbath, and also the modern ways. Roy was up tonight.

Monday, March 2, 1942 – A fair, nice sunshiny day. Alice washed as usual on Mondays. We ironed too. Was in to see Olive a little while; always like to go. Tom, Nina and Morris are at Badminton tonight. Messrs. Allan Deyarmond and Grant Graham dined with us. It was good to see them.

    Sometimes there comes an hour of calm,
    Grief turns to blessing, pain to balm, 
    A power that works above my will,
    Still leads me upward, onward still;
    And then my heart attains to this,
    To thank God for the things I miss.

Tuesday, March 3, 1942 – Dark; cloudy: began raining about 5:30 p.m. The evening is rainy. Was at Mr. Margeson’s a while this p.m. Leslie was home, sick with cold; and Freda stayed home in the afternoon, with cold & eye ache too.

Wednesday, March 4, 1942 – Dark and cloudy; a few showers, sledding gone; not cold; a mild day. Leslie was home with cold; Freda was better and went to school. Glenn had an attack of sciatica, and could not drive the truck, or load lumber;; so they got Gordon Miller to go with G. R. Deyarmond; Tom Fulton went with them on the trip to Brookfield after tea. Was in Roy’s. Heard of Mr. Rufus Taylor being married.

Thursday, March 6, 1942 – A lovely fine day: thawing most of the day. Glenn’s leg still bothering him. Gordon Miller on the truck with G. R. Deyarmond. Tom went too, tonight. I was in Mr. Margeson’s twice today. In the p.m. I went to Ladies’ Aid; Glenn drove me down in his car. The “Aid” was held at Mrs. S. H. Hickman’s. It was a nice meeting. Mrs. Philip Cox, Mrs. Sproule, who was hostess with Mrs. Hickman, Mrs. H. T. Fulton, Miss Jennie Miller, Miss Ella Schurman (clerks), Miss Ralston, Mrs. G. R. Deyarmond, Mrs. Lester B. Deyarmond, Mrs. Roy Blaikie, Mrs. W. F. Rutherford, Mrs. Alex Fulton, Mrs. E. MacKenzie, Mrs. William MacMillan, and myself: Mrs. Wilfred Pearson was there too. Roy came for Edna and me. Morris and Tom were at Badminton.

Friday, March 6, 1942 – Quite a wet day. They did not run the mill this p.m. George Blaikie, Dickey Wood and Morris Blaikie went to Truro; Morris wished to get the oil in his car changed. Mrs. MacDonald came from Mrs. Lester Deyarmond’s and spent a little while with us this afternoon; Mr. and Mrs. Beveridge Graham called, and took her, with them, to Pembroke. Glenn brought Shirley for weekend. Wrote to F. J. B. this week.

Saturday, March 7, 1942 – A very windy, cold but fine day. Glenn did go on the truck; they did not work in the mill – it was too windy. I just knot and read to Leslie and Freda. Had a letter from E. M. B. Ray Boomer is not very well.

Sunday, March 8, 1942 – Sabbath. Quite a nice day. Some wind & sun. Glenn and Freda and Leslie were home from church. After dinner Glenn took Shirley back to Truro. Roy and Edna were in tonight. The sermon was a temperance sermon. Mr. Sproule told of the dire effects of liquor in carrying on this war; and it is terribly tragic to think of them. Morris and Nina were at Y. P. S. C. E. tonight.

Monday, March 9, 1942 – A pretty nice forenoon, and part of the p.m. It began to rain in the late afternoon; folks did their Monday’s washing, and, I guess it all got dry: but the rain and wind are both busy tonight. Tom, Morris and also Nina went to Badminton. Had a letter from F. J. B. Sent one to Aunt Jessie and to V. J. B.

Tuesday, March 10, 1942 – A few snow squalls; some sunshine & wind. Quite a storm of wind and rain last evening. Sidney Kennedy is on the truck with G. R. Deyarmond yet. Glenn’s bad hurts him yet. Alice was at the hall quilting, for the Evening Auxiliary. The quilt was for Red Cross work. We had a call from Mrs. Martin Fulton this p.m. Do not know much more to write tonight.

    In the past we had a light which flickered.
    In the present we have a light which flames.
    In the future there will a light which shines over the land and sea.
          Churchill

Wednesday, March 11, 1942 – Fine, with chilly wind; cold tonight. Just mended a little, knitted some, “ripped some.” There were six men to dinner including our regular ones. Alice went to Y. P. L. at Mrs. G. R. Deyarmond’s. They pieced a quilt top. Lola Fulton (Mrs. A. Putnam Fulton) and Baby Sylvia were in for a while before she and Alice went to the meeting. Nina was away this evening – something at Middle Stewiacke Hall. Mr. Leonard Johnson spent the p.m. with us, staying at Roy’s all night. Sent a letter (in Morris’) to Mrs. G. B. Redden.

Thursday, March 12, 1942 – A fair day – mostly cloudy; some sunshine. W. M. S. met at the manse. Edna was not there. Glenn took me. Only eight members were present. Mr. Margeson was in this a.m. I did not see him as I was at Roy’s then. Wrote to E. M. B. this week. Glenn drove Mrs. Alex out home; and I went too. Saw Alex a few minutes; have not seen him for quite a while. Nina & Morris went to Badminton.

Friday, March 13, 1942 – Cloudy and damp. Not cold. G. R. Deyarmond and Sidney Kennedy went three trips (blank) today. Mr. Margeson here 1 minute. Had letters from E. M. B. and Leonard Boomer sent a little letter and St. Patrick’s Card.

Saturday, March 14, 1942 – A nice fine day: wind chilly. Edith Goodwin was here a little while this a.m. She dined at Olive & Edwin’s, and went to Stewiacke East with G. R. and Sidney. Was in Mr. Margeson’s this p.m. Alice & Glenn were to the store, and Mrs. Hamilton’s. Mr. and Mrs. Arnold Wood and Audrey were here in the evening. Had a nice evening. Tom Fulton took his mother and his uncle John Dean to Truro; his uncle is leaving them for his western home.

Sunday, March 15, 1942 – Sabbath. A pretty fair day; cloudy at night. All of us attended church. The trail ranger boys take the offering. We had a very excellent sermon from Luke’s gospel. Where the disciples, with Peter s spokesman, affirmed Jesus as Christ. Glenn and Nina took Shirley to Truro, also Miss Marion Ralston, who came from Truro with Shirley to visit Miss Evelyn Ralston, her sister who teaches here, on Friday night. Miss Marion Ralston is at Normal. Edith Goodwin came back from Brookfield with Glenn & Nina. She went to Truro too. Morris and I were at Wilfred Pearson’s to see Mrs. Annie Miller, an invalid who is there, and Mrs. Pearson, his mother; also Wilfred, wife & family. We were there to tea.

Monday, March 16, 1942 – Something like yesterday. Alice washed and got her clothes dried, and we ironed too. Mr. Margeson was in this a.m. I went back with him and called a little while, then came back & cleaned one closet in my bedroom. Behind the door. Glenn’s back is better. He went on the truck today. Tom Fulton took his uncle, Mr. John Dean, to Musquodoboit after tea tonight.

Tuesday, March 17, 1942 – Dark and damp. Sort of misty a little while. I cleaned the corner closet today. Just lazed round this p.m. Morris is going to a card party tonight – it is held in the Agricola Hall. Little Hughie Fulton is ill – had a convulsion.

Wednesday, March 18, 1942 – Misty and damp. Roads getting sticky. Roads closed to traffic. This has been a quiet day. I cleaned the other closet in my room. Was in Roy’s a little while tonight.

Thursday, March 19, 1942 – Dark, with chilly wind. Raining a little: it may not amount to much. I didn’t do much but write a letter to Flossie and knit a little this a.m. In the p.m. I went to Mrs. Martin Fulton’s, and made a quite lengthy call. Then came home and knitted some. Little Hughie Fulton, and his mother, Mrs. S. Graham Fulton, are not home; he is in the C. C. Hospital, Truro, and she remained with him; I think he is no worse.

Friday, March 20, 1942 – Cloudy. Quite a little skiff of snow this morning. Not very cold. Wrote to L. L. Boomer and Flossie. G. R. Deyarmond was working here today. Glenn’s hip was bad, but he and S. Graham Fulton went to the hospital and brought Florence and their little Hughie home. Nina & Morris are at choir practice. Was in Roy’s a few minutes. Florence was in this eve. Wrote to Walter Blaikie, 27 Victoria St., Moncton, N.B.

Saturday-Monday, March 21-23, 1942 – Just cloudy, with some sunshine and wind, not cold. Freda and Leslie spent Saturday p.m. at Mr. Gordon Miller’s playing with Priscilla and Jimmie. We were all at church on Sabbath. Morris dined and supped at the manse; no church service at South Branch. Alice washed Monday. Mr. Margeson was in. Tom F. and Morris were at Badminton. I missed seeing Jean, Mrs. Sidney Cox, when she was up here this p.m.

Tuesday, March 24, 1942 – Cloudy; not very cold. I washed some today; mended some, knitted and read some. Morris is at a meeting at the manse tonight. Wrote to E. M. B. and Mrs. J. S. C. today.

Wednesday, March 25, 1942 – Rain, a little snow, and chilly wind. Roy and Edna came from Truro today. They took Jean (Mrs. Sidney Cox) in to the C. C. H. yesterday and a little girl arrived. This was a day like days are sometimes, this time of year. But there is spring to which to look forward, and there will be more fine days than stormy ones. Mrs. Howard Davidson of Somerville, Mass. (nee Mildred Stevens), an old friend of Mrs. Roy Blaikie and Mrs. Glenn Blaikie, too, called to see them this p.m.

Thursday, March 26, 1942 – Quite like yesterday. Snow, rain and wind. Just like ordinary days; like yesterday. I cleaned a closet and the commode in Morris’ room. Sewed and knitted and read some. Was at Roy’s an hour or two. Morris went to Badminton, also Nina.

Friday, March 27, 1942 – Snow did not all melt off the ground today; the wind was cold. It was damp and cloudy. Thelma, Nina, Roy and Glenn were to Truro today. They were home ere supper time. Mrs. Alex Fulton called this afternoon, and I went a piece with her on her way home. Nina and Morris went to choir practice.

Saturday, March 28, 1942 – More sunshine today, but cool wind. Just an ordinary day. I was in to Mr. Margeson’s this afternoon. Had letters from V. J. B. and F. J. B. Freda and Leslie were to their Grandmother Hamilton’s to dinner. Alice and Glenn were to the store, and Nina to C. G. I. T.

Sunday, March 29, 1942 – Sabbath. A fine, sunshiny day, with cold wind. All the household were at church. The sermon was very earnest, and encouraging to those who believe in, and love Jesus; and also to all those who wish to show these things to others by uniting with the church. The minister’s text was, “He steadfastly set his face to go to Jerusalem.” Harry and Nellie, June and Mary, were at Roy’s to tea; and here a little while in the evening. Morris and Nina are at Y. P. S. C. E. Olive and Edwin were to Mr. Ross’, Olive’s old home, today. June and I had a nice little time together, looking at books – especially “More Heart Throbs.”

Monday, March 30, 1942 – Quite a nice day; sunshine and wind. Those who washed got their clothes dried. I read some in “Mrs. Pat” (L. M. Montgomery) to Freda tonight. She likes reading. Morris and Nina attended Badminton.

Tuesday, March 31, 1942 – Dark and cloudy. Misty some of the time. Wind chilly; but not much cold. Had a letter from Flora Goodwin. Was in to see Helen Miller at Henry Cox’s. Saw Addison Laffin too. Was in the store, too. Mrs. Sproule called.

Wednesday, April 1, 1942 – Rain and (blank). Was ripping up a coat which Shirley hopes to get made over while she is home for Easter vacation. Glenn brought her from Truro this p.m.

Thursday, April 2, 1942 – A nice sunshiny day. School closed early in the day, in order that Miss Ralston should get to Brookfield in the mail coach to catch the train to for her home in Westchester for Easter vacation. Percy Goodwin came for Edith at Cross Roads; he dined with us. Roy, Edna and Sidney Cox went to Truro and brought Jean (Mrs. Sidney Cox) and baby Maxine Ruth from the hospital. The girls, Shirley and Nina, and Morris are at Badminton. Wrote to F. J. B. today.

Friday, April 3, 1942 – A nice fine day. Alice was helping her mother house clean today. Mr. Allan Johnson and Mr. James (Jamsey) Cox, both of South Branch, passed away within a few hours of each other: they were near neighbors. Hazel Deyarmond had tea with us tonight.

Saturday, April 4, 1942 – Another nice day, warm too. Was to see Dr. MacLeod this a.m. He gave me a tonic. Alice helped her mother today. Mrs. Alex was in to call. Sent letters to John D. Webster and Mrs. Girdwood.

Sunday, April 5, 1942 – Sabbath, Easter. Another nice fine day. There was no service in our church, as our minister is sick – in bed. A very quiet day was passed. We got up late in the morning; so just had two meals today. Freda and I went to the top of the little hill beyond the brook and then came back and called at Mr. Margeson’s. Edwin and Olive were to Musquodoboit; and Alda and Eldon were at Roy’s. Very small attendance at Y. P. S.

Monday, April 6, 1942 – Dark this morn. Clothes dried as the sun shone in the p.m. Edith Goodwin came up from Brookfield in the mail coach; she and Nina walked to Mr. Rutherford’s and had tea.

Tuesday, April 7, 1942 – Rather dark, and cloudy; not cold. J. W. Benvie here to dine; then he left purposing to go to Brentwood. Glenn took Shirley to Truro; Nina went too. Was in Roy’s. George has been ill; not our of bed yet. Leslie has been at his Uncle Wilmer’s to tea. Mrs. Elizabeth  Crocker has had a stroke of paralysis. Guess it was not paralysis.

Wednesday, April 8, 1942 – Quite a snowstorm this a.m. but nice and fine in the p.m. The mill did not operate today. Tom Fulton went home. Alice was helping out at the hall; they quilted two quilts. I was at Roy’s a little while; held my great granddaughter on my knee a little while. Little Maxine Ruth Cox. A card (Easter) came from Florida from Margaret Blaikie. Glenn & Mrs. Sproule were to Truro.

Thursday, April 9, 1942 – A fine cold windy day. W. M. W. met in the hall; Mrs. Abram Bentley, Mrs. Edmund Hamilton, Mrs. W. D. Kennedy, Mrs. Roy Blaikie, Mrs. Alex Fulton, Mrs. Grant E. Cox, Mrs. Martin S. Fulton, Mrs. J. W. Benvie, and Myself were present. Our program was from the Missionary Monthly – an Easter one. The Easter Thankoffering was $6.30. We came home between 4 & 5 o’clock.

Friday, April 10, 1942 – Quite a nice day; wind rather cold. Wrote to F. & E. both; addressed to Edith. Was in Mrs. Margeson’s this p.m. They are pretty well. Tom Fulton is out at his home for a day or two. George Sproule was up this afternoon a little while. Nina and Morris are at choir practice.

Saturday, April 11, 1942 – Cold, wet and some snow falling at times. Nothing going on here; think they worked in the mill, just our own folk, not Tom or Buddy. Do not think Glenn was working. Had a fine letter from John and Bertha. Glenn and Alice are at the store & to see Mrs. Hamilton, Alice’s mother, who is not very well.

    The fairest dawn earth ever knew
    came breaking on the darkest night;
    Beyond Jerusalem it gleamed
    While still the dreary city dreamed;
    It touched old darkened roof and dome
    With pure and living light.
    Across the valley brightness moved
    Climbing by shadowed hill and slope
    After a night of pain and grief
    And bitterness beyond belief
    A glory gathered like a flame
    To every heart awaking came
    A promise and a hope
    O Master, ours forevermore, 
    The winter and the dark have drawn
    Their curtains close, but all in vain,
    Beauty will walk the world again,
    Peace will come back and hearts will be glad.
    The darkest night earth every had
    Changed to the fairest dawn.
          Nancy Byrd Turner, authoress

Sunday, April 12, 1942 – Sabbath. Dark and cloudy. No service in the daytime; a candle light service, which could not be held last Sabbath evening, on account of Mr. Sproule’s illness, was given tonight; all our household attended except myself. It was very good by what I heard of it.

Monday, April 13, 1942 – Dark, with slight squalls & wind. Alice’s washing dried on the line. Jean’s and Sidney’s baby is very ill – Dr. Reid of Truro was out to see it this p.m. And Mrs. Hedley Creelman was there too; and Mrs. Creelman is there tonight: the little one is very serious tonight. Mr. Grant Cox’s house was burned tonight; nothing was saved.

Tuesday, April 14, 1942 – Some clouds, some sunshine; some cool wind. As they, at Roy’s, came home from the burned home of Mr. and Mrs. E. Grant Cox, the little baby, their wee granddaughter (Mr. & Mrs. Cox & Mr. & Mrs. Roy Blaikie) breathed her last. The fair sweet flower went to bloom in heaven. Hearts are sad, but she is safe from the world’s temptations and sins; and comfort will surely come to those who trust in God. We have been to see the Margesons, Edwin & Olive, and Roy and Edna & Jean. Mr. Sproule was up tonight. Already, the Cox’s are getting a temporary building ready to live in, and making plans for the building of a new house. Mr. Sproule and George Blaikie were in a short time this evening.

Wednesday, April 15, 1942 – Dark; raining sometimes – showers. The men were not working today. The funeral of our Dear little Baby, Maxine Ruth Cox, was held at Roy Blaikie’s this p.m. at 2:30 o’clock. She looked so sweet; surrounded by flowers, the gifts of friends and relatives of her parents. Our minister spoke words of comforting strength. The hymns were “When He Cometh” and “Safe in the Arms of Jesus”. Mr. Sproule (the minister) read from the Bible, about Jesus and the little children, and also of the better land, and the twenty-third psalm, which has been a comfort to many souls in times of trouble and sorrow. Nina stayed with Ruth while they were at the cemetery. Freda, Leslie and I came home. Alice went in the car with George: Glenn took the minister; Morris took the pall bearers, Tom Fulton and Winnie Patterson (Winfred).

Thursday, April 16, 1942 – Squally and cold and wet this Thursday. Very quiet today; Alice and Glenn were to see Mr. and Mrs. Grant Cox, who have got into their new quarters. They are gradually getting settled again. I mended Morris’ clothes & some other things, and knit some. Tom Fulton expects to hear tomorrow whether he has been accepted into the army or not. He was here tonight on his way to Badminton.

Friday, April 17, 1942 – Dark this morning; finer after dinner. Wrote to F. J. B. & Aileen & Darl this morning. Edward MacHugh’s hymns this morning were such comforting ones, The Lord’s My Shepherd, There were Ninety and Nine, and Lead Kindly Light. George, and Tom Fulton, went to Truro for Tom to enlist. But they said he could not join the army on account of having a ruptured stomach, for which he had an operation some years ago; he will get an honourable discharge from the headquarters. I was in Roy’s today. Morris and Nina are at choir practice.

Saturday, April 18, 1942 – A nice fine day; chilly wind. I did my little washing this a.m. In the p.m. I went to call at Mrs. Lester Deyarmond’s; Mrs. MacDonald is there again. She and Mrs. L. C. Deyarmond and Baby Terry in his carriage, were taking a walk: Mrs. MacDonald and I were into Mrs. G. R. Deyarmond’s; then over to Mrs. L. Deyarmond’s. I called a little while; then at the store; then home. Miss Edith Goodwin was there, and is staying the weekend with us. George Blaikie took me to call on Mrs. Miller – was her 86^th birthday. She had quite a few callers; some nice presents. It was a pleasant time. Morris went to Truro. Had a letter from Edith Boomer.

Sunday, April 19, 1942 – Sabbath. Dark in the morning; pretty fair day. We were at church; Mr. Sproule has been ill: he did not look very well, and seemed weak; he had the new church members welcomed into our church congregation. Miss Lena J. Fulton, Miss Helen Bent, Mr. Robert Keddy, by profession of faith; and Miss Bent’s mother and father by church letter. Edith Goodwin went back to Cross Roads after Y. P. S. C. E. was over. We like to have her come to see us. Morris, Ruth and Thelma were to Union Hall, Meadowvale, where they had the candle light service, which was held in our church last Sabbath eve. Roy was to see me tonight.

Monday, April 20, 1942 – A pretty nice day. Clothes dried. Alice washed the week’s wash as usual on Monday. We had a call from Leonard Johnson this morning. He is doing some wiring (electric) in Brookfield this week and expected to go to today. Tom Fulton resumed work at the mill today. Morris and I called at the manse before Badminton. Was in Roy’s this a.m.

Tuesday, April 21, 1942 – Cloudy, weather got colder and there was a squall before night. Olive presented us with some smelts, which Edwin and some others got in Stewiacke East last night. Roy was offering some too. In the p.m. Jean Cox (Mrs. Sidney Cox) was here a while. I was just on the point of going to Mrs. Lester Deyarmond’s; so I chatted with Jean a little while, and then went to Mrs. Deyarmond’s, where I had a very nice time with her and Mrs. J. W. MacDonald, who is there now, for a little visit ere she goes back to her home in Caledonia, Guys. Co. Had a letter from F. J. B. Alice and Glenn are away tonight.

Wednesday, April 22, 1942 – Snow was on the ground today, in the morning; but it is all melted now; the day was windy and damp. They sawed shingles in the mill. I read a little, wrote some and knitted some. Glenn was to Meadowvale this p.m. Wrote to E. M. B.

Thursday, April 23, 1942 – A lovely fine day. Alice cleared two bedrooms – her own and Nina’s yesterday and today. I wrote in the a.m. most of the time. In the afternoon Mrs. MacDonald and I went to Mrs. S. G. Fulton’s and spent a very pleasant p.m. Little Hughie is so cute: he is a delicate little fellow. Wrote to Walter I. Blaikie today (27 Victoria Street, Moncton, N. B.)

Friday, April 24, 1942 – A very nice, warm, sunshiny day. I finished the paper I was copying; but oh! the mistakes I made! In the p.m. I called on three neighbors, Mr. and Mrs. Margeson, Mr. and Mrs. Edwin Blaikie, and Mrs. Sidney Cox. I did not see Edwin, as he was at the mill. Morris went to choir practice & after Shirley, Nina, Glenn and Leslie came from Truro, Shirley and Nina went too. Edna was not well.

Saturday, April 25, 1942 – Another fine, very warm day. Alice washed some, and baked some. I just knit. We talked to Mr. David Fulton – Glenn and I, by the roadside a little while, anent conscription etc. Then Freda and I went for a walk, called at Mrs. G. R. Deyarmond’s; saw Mr. and Mrs. Frank A. Reynolds and Grace, their daughter, at Mrs. Deyarmond’s. Tom Fulton and Morris went to Truro in the p.m. We had some nice events take place, a call from Sidney Cox, a little visit from Olive and she favored us by staying to tea; and just as soon as tea was over, Edwin came – he and his father had been to Stewiacke – and he had tea with us. We had a nice afternoon. Tom and Morris will probably not return until very late. Glenn and Alice went to the store.

Sunday, April 26, 1942 – Quite a fine a.m., except a cold wind; but it is dark and seems like rain in this early evening. The wind is still chilly and raw. We went to church this morning. The sermon was, Thanks be until God which always givest us the victory, through our Lord Jesus Christ: He will help us through – tho’ not always as we think. This p.m. Alice, Glenn, Shirley and Freda went to Truro to take Shirley back to her training at Normal. Morris and Nina went to South Branch to a special service there tonight. Only Leslie and I are here this evening. We were at Roy’s a few minutes. They are coming from Truro 8:40 p.m.

Monday, April 27, 1942 – Quite fine; cold wind. Plebecite, yes, anent government promise not to have conscription of our soldiers etc. The boiler was tested today, and it is o.k. The Badminton Club met tonight.

Tuesday, April 28, 1942 – Another fine day. Finished the tan and blue &c quilt top. Mrs. J. W. MacDonald and I walked to W. P. Miller’s this p.m. Almon brought us home in his car. Mrs. Miller was away. Also I was at F. B. Cox’s store this a.m. Mrs. Alex Fulton called tonight, and I went a little bit with her, when she went home; she is a good friend.

Wednesday, April 29, 1942 – A fine day once more. I ironed Morris’ two shirts this a.m. and did some other little jobs, and was in to Mr. Margeson’s a little while. The staff at the mill, Sid Cox, George Blaikie, Dickie Wood, Edwin and Morris and Tom Fulton took their axes, and went to Mr. Margeson’s and split the remainder of his woodpile of slabs. They were glad to do it. The boy, Dickie and George, were in to see me in my bedroom a little while. Mrs. Lester Deyarmond has heard from Lester “Somewhere in Scotland.”

Thursday, April 30, 1942 –Fine again today. Was in to see Olive today; also Thelma, Jean & Ruth. Got two skeins of Red Cross yarn from them. Edna is in Brookfield having a little rest. This is the last night of Badminton for the season. Probably all members are there. Wrote to F. J. B. today and had a letter from E. M. B.

Friday, May 1, 1942 – Fine, but cold wind. Mr. and Mrs. Percy Goodwin came to Cross Roads for Edith; Flora stayed here until they came back. Phyllis Benvie went to Stewiacke with them. Morris and Nina were at choir practice. Mrs. W. P. Miller called this a.m.

Saturday, May 2, 1942 – Rather cloudy, but not cold. Was at W. P. Miller’s this p.m. Went up with Mr. Miller when he took his cream to the coach – or rather when he came back from taking it, so as to go in the coach. Morris came for me; I spent a nice p.m. Had a piece of Edna Wardrope’s and Water Blaikie’s wedding cake sent to me today.

Sunday, May 3, 1942 – Sabbath. A little cloudy. Some sunshine. All of us were at church today. We, Alice and Glenn, Freda, Leslie and I, were to see Mrs. Hamilton and Wilmer a little while this p.m. Had a nice time. Morris was away. Roy was in a short time in the evening. We had a comforting and instructive sermon on Andrew Simon, Peter’s brother. Mr. Sproule spoke of Andrew’s keeping in the background, “playing second fiddle,” as he expressed it. Being content to do little things – helpful and humble. Spoke of Cyrus Fields, the man who through many failures, and long years of perseverance, at last succeeded in laying the Atlantic cable across the Atlantic ocean. His brother, Henry Fields, a quite talented editor & publisher of New York was spoken of as Cyrus Fields’ brother; his wife rather resented this; but we hear of no resentment on the part of Andrew Simon, Peter’s brother, because of Peter whom he had brought to Jesus, being of more brilliance than himself. Mr. Sproule cited instances of envy and jealousy in the like circumstances. But Andrew’s is the better way.

Monday, May 4, 1942 – Rather cloudy this a.m. but the clouds cleared and there was another fine warm day. I spent the p.m. at Mrs. Lester Deyarmond’s and had a very nice time. Went down in the truck with Glenn; and came back with Sid and Jean. Wrote to E. M. B. & had a letter from F. J. B. and one from Mrs. Annie Miller.

Tuesday, May 5, 1942 – Another fine, windy day – we are having a spell of dry weather. Tom & Morris got a lot of trout tonight. I knitted and sewed and wrote a little; ironed in the a.m. Had a letter from Mrs. Page Tupper. Mrs. Alex came in at supper time, and we walked down to see Mrs. J. W. MacDonald. Mrs. Lester Deyarmond & Terry. I was there yesterday p.m. too.

Wednesday, May 6, 1942 – Another nice fine day. I worked at the quilt most of the time today. Was at Olive’s in the p.m. a while – took pieces and worked at the quilt; finished the squares. Tom and Morris went fishing tonight too. They are not home yet. Glenn, Nina, Freda and Leslie are at the hall to see a picture or (blank). Wrote to W. F. Blaikie today.

Thursday, May 7, 1942 – Dark, with a few spatters of rain; but it looks rainy tonight. I was in Roy’s this a.m. Roy is pretty sick. Hot, and has pains in his stomach some of the time. It sees strangely lonely to me when Roy is sick. Choir practice is held at the P. O. tonight. Dr. J. B. Reid, in Truro, is in the C. C. Hospital with pneumonia. Our Dr. MacLeod is not home, and so we have to do without.

Friday, May 8, 1942 – Dark with some rain. I sewed, I knit some. Finished a pair of socks. Glenn went into Truro and brought Shirley home this p.m. I was in to see Roy a little while in the a.m. He sees quite ill; wish the Dr. was home. Harry and Nellie were here a short time after tea. I see so little of them, but they are sell, and it is nice to see them as often as I do; and they are kind and nice to me. Glenn has taken a party to Mr. & Mrs. A. C. Teas’, South Branch, to Austin Teas’, their son’s, wedding reception.

Saturday, May 9, 1942 – Rather cold wind, but the suns shone, and the clothes Alice washed got dry. Went to see Roy this a.m. He felt better today. Dr. MacLeod was in to see him; gave him some advice, and we hope he will be better. I finished the crib quilt top; the pieces and some of the squares were contributed by Mrs. Hamilton, Mrs. Alex Fulton and me; Alice is giving us lining. Mrs. Alex and (blank) are giving the bat. Had a letter from E. M. B. today. Was in to see Mr. and Mrs. Margeson after tea. Glenn and Alice were to the store. Tom Fulton and Morris went to Truro tonight.

Sunday, May 10, 1942 – Sabbath. Not a bad day. Wind as usual. Cloudy. We were at church in the a.m. Mr. Sproule’s sermon was on Hannah, the mother of Samuel and on Samuel, and the old priest, Eli, who had not ruled his sons well. Alice and Glenn, Freda and Leslie, took Shirley back to Truro; Mrs. Sproule and Miss Dulcie Cooke, her sister, went in with them. Miss Cooke was spending the weekend with Mrs. Sproule. I was to see Roy – he is a lot better, and came to see us in the late eve. Alda and Eldon Brenton were at Roy’s after tea. Morris and I called to see Mrs. Miller & the Pearsons after dinner – as it was Mother’s day. We had a nice call.

Monday, May 11, 1942 – Pretty fine, but cold wind; cloudy. Alice did not wash, as the water was scarce. She cleaned the kitchen. I mended, and knit some; was in Mr. Margeson’s after tea. Dr. MacLeod is preparing to leave, the first of June; intends going to Halifax, I believe. Had a Mother’s day card from Flossie.

Tuesday, May 12, 1942 – A fine cool day with wind. Alice washed today – Glenn hauled a cask of water yesterday p.m. I was in Roy’s this a.m. Did not do much today; knit a little, and sewed a little. Roy is much better, and I trust he continues so. Glenn and G. R. and Leslie were at Stewiacke this p.m. “When your back is to the wall, in times of stress and strain,: wrote Paul, insist upon a recalling of everything good, and pure and praiseworthy. Wasn’t that what Rupert Brooke did so movingly when he insisted, in the dugouts and the trenches, upon remembering everything that he had found lovely and savoursome in life!

    White plates and cups, clean and gleaming,
    Ringed with blue lines; and feathery, faery dust;
    Wet roofs beneath the lamplight, the strong crust
    of friendly bread – rainbows – and the blue bitter 
    smoke of wood. And radiant raindrops
    crouching on cool flowers.

    What are memories for if they are not for remembrance and thankfulness, in the day of sudden cloud and storm. Sermon by Rev. H. S. Newsham, M. A. United Churchman, Apr. 29, 1942.

Wednesday, May 13, 1942 – Rained last night; dark and cloudy with cold wind today. Had a belated mother’s day card from Edith Boomer. I sewed and knit a little. Jean was up to se me a little while this p.m. Her visits are always welcome. The women’s Institute are having a basket social in the hall tonight. They made $50.00 at the social. Mrs. Edson Cox returned to Upper Stewiacke today. Spent the winter in C. B. with her cousin.

Thursday, May 14, 1942 – A fine, nice day. Mr. Herman Johnson sowed our oats today. And got the ground ready for the gardens. W. M. S. met in the hall. Those present were Mrs. J. W. Benvie, Mrs. George Bentley, Mrs. M. S. Fulton, Mrs. Alex Fulton, Mrs. E. Grant Cox, Mrs. Roy Blaikie, Mrs. Edson Cox, Mrs. W. D. Kennedy. Mrs. Edmund Hamilton and myself. The meeting was quite interesting. Y. L. C. was held at Mrs. S. G. Fulton’s this p.m. Alice did not go. Her neck is stiff. Roy’s is too; he is not all well yet. Wrote to Miriam E. Sarcy, 943B Hala Dr., Honolulu, T. H., and also to F. J. B., Red. Deer, Alta.

Friday, May 15, 1942 – Fine this a.m. but clouded up and was dark with chilly wind.  Had a letter from Miriam Webster Sarcy; she has left Honolulu, and is with her mother in Canton, Maine – she and Vesta. I pieced patchwork this p.m., and was in Roy’s a while – Roy has a stiff neck and does not feel well. Edna is not well either. (I wrote to her at Honolulu yesterday.)

Saturday, May 16, 1942 – Foggy this a.m., but turned out to be a nice fine day. Sent a letter to Mrs. John Sargent. Mrs. Alex Fulton was in this a.m. and she and I were to see Edna a little while. After tea Mrs. Sproule called a minute or two, and Mrs. W. D. Kennedy called, and went down with Alice and Glenn when they went to the store. Mrs. Arnold Wood and Audrey were in a little while; I enjoy their calls. She invited me to a Mother’s Day social evening in the hall on Wednesday night. Mrs. Margeson was in one day this week. Roy’s stiff neck is not better yet. Morris is away.

Sunday, May 17, 1942 – Sabbath. Sunshine; quite a nice day, only cloudy toward evening. We were all at church this a.m. Mr. Sproule preached from the text, St. John Chapter 46 verse (last part) “Come and see.” The sermon was the preparatory one, before the Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper, which was held in the South Branch Church at 7:30 p.m. Nina, Glenn, Mrs. Sproule, Ruby Chase and Thelma went in Glenn’s car; Mrs. Sproule, Morris and I in Morris’s. Quite a few of the village people were out. Mr. and Mrs. J. D. Cox among them There were the new communicants, Mr. and Mrs. Roy Bent, their daughter Helen, and her fiancé, Robert Keddy; Audrey Wood, one of the new members, did not get out. The remembrance of Jesus love was brought to us in the simple but impressive service, and we prayed for his presence and felt near to him.

Monday, May 18, 1942 – Warm, and cloudy; a little rain. The clothes dried on the line. I did not iron mine. I knit, and worked at a quilt top. Edna, Olive and Edwin went to Truro this a.m. Olive to enter the hospital; Roy was in and out of Truro; but I heard no word from any of them. Edna and Edwin were home before dark.

Tuesday, May 19, 1942 – A pretty fine, hot day, cloudy & cooler at evening. A nice evening for a walk. I ironed this a.m. and was in Roy’s. Edna and Edwin came home before dinner. Olive and Edwin have a little son, weighing nearly 7 lbs. After dinner I walked to Mrs. Alex Fulton’s. Had a nice walk – was a little tired, but had rested on the way, and rested after I got there. Mr. Alex Fulton is such a nice man, and Mrs. Alex is so kind and nice too. And Putnam and Lola and children are sociable and kind, too. But Mr. Alex is growing old, tho’ he is very bright, and takes an interest in everything. Had a nice time; Freda came out with Madeline and Barbara, and they came to the little brook with Freda on our way home. We got home fine. I was not very tired, and feel comfortable. Morris went to a meeting at the manse.

Wednesday, May 20, 1942 – A little cloudy, not very hot. Was in Roy’s and got some yarn to finish the socks I began and had not yarn to finish. In the p.m., after tea, some of the mothers were invited, by the Women’s Institute, to a Mother’s Day social evening: among them, Mrs. Alex Fulton and myself. Mrs. G. W. Butcher invited Mrs. Fulton, and Mrs. Arnold Wood asked me to go. We had a very nice evening; songs, papers and recitations, and a lunch. All the mothers were glad, and enjoyed themselves, I guess; I know I did. There was a men’s meeting upstairs in the hall; we had our meeting downstairs. Mrs. Alex waited here for Putnam (her son) to come from the hall.

Thursday, May 21, 1942 – Warm, with warm wind. I washed my little wash this a.m.
Worked at a crib quilt for the mission box in the p.m. Edna was up a little while. Wrote to E. M. B. and had a letter from her this week.

Friday, May 22, 1942 – Quite warm; some clouds & some sunshine. I finished the top of the second crib quilt today. We had a call from Brother John Webster and his wife, and Mrs. Robert Anderson, nee Evelyn Webster, and her two little boys, Bobby and Jimmy. Then Shirley came home bringing Miss Winnie Wamboldt (a Normalite) with her; after tea Edith Goodwin & Phyllis & Elizabeth Benvie, who were going to spend a weekend with Edith; then Edith’s father and mother came for her, and they left for home. Wrote to Walter & Edna Blaikie today. Had a letter from Eva Steel.

Saturday, May 23, 1942 – Dark with light showers. Alice washed this a.m. I mended &c. After dinner Tom Fulton and Morris went trout fishing, Otter Brook way, and I went to Mrs. Chas. Peppard’s and spent a nice afternoon. Mr. Peppard did not feel very well, but talked and was interested in things. The drive to Mr. Peppard’s is very pretty; so lovely with so much green grass, and many shades of green among the trees and leaves. The “cherry blossoms” are in full bloom now; and the white bloom among the trees is beautiful. We were home about 4:30, and Morris went to Truro &c. They, Tom and he, got a very good mess of trout. Tom was here all night. Morris, away. Had a letter from Aunt Jessie Cooke today.

Sunday, May 24, 1942 – Sabbath. Dark and cloudy; showers in the p.m. All the family attended church. Mr. Sproule preached from St. John 2:10 Last part of the verse, “Thou has kept the good wine until now.” The central thought to me was that Jesus always keeps the best for last.

    Why should we worry about the years
                Which our feet have not yet trod?
    Who labours with courage and faith, not fear,
                Has fellowship with God.
    For the best will come in the great “To Be”
                ‘Tis ours to serve and wait;
    And that beautiful country we soon shall see,
                For death but opes the gate.

    In the p.m. the three girls, Shirley, Winnie and Thelma, Freda & I, took a walk over the bridge by Mr. Henry Cox’s. And after tea, Freda and I called on Mr. and Mrs. Margeson. Roy was up to see me a few minutes after I retired. How much I enjoy his little visits!

Monday, May 25, 1942 – Foggy and dark this a.m. but was a fine day. The clothes dried well. The girls, Shirley, Winnie and Nina, went fishing out Otter Brook way I guess. Glenn, Leslie, Robert and Paul Sproule went to Wilson Brook, but none of them got many trout. I mended most of the time. Was in Roy’s a few minutes. Alda and Eldon were up a little while.

Tuesday, May 26, 1942 – A dark morning; rain in the late afternoon; and rain is falling this evening. Was in F. B. Cox’s store this a.m. Saw some friends. Before I went to the store I ironed my part of yesterday’s wash. Mr. and Mrs. Martin Johnson called a few minutes – it is years since Mrs. Johnson has been to see us; and we were glad to see her – and him, too. I sewed &c. this p.m. Alice put the lining of a crib quilt, which I was helping to make, together. Am getting ready for bed. Sent letters to Aunt Jessie Cooke & Olive – Edwin’s wife this a.m.

Wednesday, May 27, 1942 – Quite a nice day. Edwin’s twenty-eighth birthday. After dinner he went to Truro and brought Olive and the wee son home from the hospital. It was nice to have them home again. I quilted some of the time. Was in Edwin’s after tea; saw the little great grandson: he is a nice baby – and good. Olive seems well.

Thursday, May 28, 1942 – Wet this a.m. Cold wind all day. I was in Roy’s this a.m. Quilted some. In the p.m. went to Ladies’ Aid at Mrs. Martin Fulton’s. It was a nice Aid. Those present were Mrs. Wallace Gault, Mrs. J. W. Benvie, Mrs. Charlie Graham, Mrs. Edward MacKenzie, Mrs. W. P. Miller, Mrs. George Bentley, Mrs. Alex Fulton, Mrs. A. L. Margeson, and myself. Also Mrs. Arnold Wood and Mrs. Graham Fulton (S. G.). Got home early. Alice got her chickens from Wilmer. The men are loading cars in Brookfield – Glenn & G. R. Deyarmond. Two of Hedley Creelman’s boys are helping to haul and load the lumber. Wrote to F. J. B., Darl & Aileen.

Friday, May 29, 1942 – Quite cold last night, but there was a thick fog this morning, and no damage done to crops as far as we have heard. Today was fine. Just worked at the crib quilt today; Mrs. George Bentley and Mrs. Arnold Wood came and quilted a few hours this p.m. and, after they had gone, I finished it, and took it out of the frames. Alice was to the stores this afternoon.

Saturday, May 30, 1942 – Rained a shower or so, but cleared off and was fine. Was in Roy’s after tea. We heard of Mr. Jas. Anderson’s death. Had a letter from Grace Nichols today.

Sunday, May 31, 1942 – Sabbath. Cold this a.m., a fine day, chilly tonight. All except Glenn were present at church. Mr. Sproule reached a splendid sermon; it was on John, the beloved disciple; of the many changes in his life and character, as he journeyed through his long life. The disciple whom Jesus loved. Edith Goodwin stayed to dinner & the p.m. Harry & Nellie, and Walter and Edna came from Truro, and were at Roy’s a while; then Edna & Walter remained there to tea; Harry & Nellie were here, went back early. Morris, Edith and Nina were at Y. P. S. C. E.

Monday, June 1, 1942 – A bad frost this a.m. Garden stuff, which happened to be above the ground, will be badly singed; Wrote to E. M. B. today. Alice washed, and between the sun and the cold wind the clothes dried; and we ironed – I did anyway. Glenn and Bob (G. R.) went to Truro. I knitted some: Leslie was at the manse. Edith Goodwin called tonight. Had a note from Ella Johnson (Mrs. Herman Johnson), inviting me to their home to spend the p.m. and take team with them, and Ella’s mother (Mrs. E. B. Deyarmond).

Tuesday, June 2, 1942 – Frost again last night; heavy, too. I sewed this a.m. Was in Roy’s a minute; it was Thelma’s birthday. In the p.m. I went in the truck with Glenn and G. R. Deyarmond when they took lumber to Caribou, as far as Herman Johnson’s; had a nice afternoon with Mrs. E. B. Deyarmond, an old friend. She and I have both passed our three score & ten years. We talked of many a vanished scene; of old friends long ago. Mrs. L. Deyarmond and Baby Terry came back from Truro. Then I called to see Mrs. Pearson and Catherine who walked to the bridge with me; little Ada coming to. It is late. I must go to bed.

Wednesday, June 3, 1942 – Rather cool, and it looks rainy. Was in Roy’s or at the door this p.m. The Watkins man, R. C. York, called this p.m. Mr. and Mrs. Malcolm MacDonald and Mrs. Isabella Hamilton called, or we sat in their car and talked a while: Jean Cox was in a while this p.m. I like to have tome come to see us.

Thursday, June 4, 1942 – Dark and showery; not very cold. I patched some this a.m. and went to the Ladies’ Aid in the p.m. We met at Mrs. (Jane) Edson Cox’s It is three months since we had Ladies’ Aid. Mrs. Alex Fulton and I walked there and back. I must retire.

Friday, June 5, 1942 – There was rain in the night last night. And the weather was dark today; but no rain, only a mist once or twice. Was in to see Olive and little Keith Roy this p.m. Shirley and Winnie Wamboldt came from Truro this late p.m. They and Nina and Morris were at choir practice. Glenn, Alice, Freda and Leslie were at Mrs. Hamilton’s. Wrote to M. P. Redden’s.

Saturday-Tuesday, June 6-9, 1942 – Came in to Truro on Saturday; it was rather cold. George Blaikie came in with Morris and me. He went to the Armories; he and Richard H. Wood (Dickie) have enlisted in the King’s (George VI) Army; will got to Halifax shortly. I stayed at Harry’s. One is gone from there. Walter, leaving Moncton, N. B., where he has been three or four months, about the middle of next week. George and Morris went back home. On Sabbath in the p.m. all the rest of us, except Ralph, motored to Shorts Lake, to their summer cottage; where we spent the time until Monday p.m. coming back to Truro after supper. Ralph as o.k. Nellie, wishing to see Walter ere he left Moncton, left Truro for that town about 10 o’clock. Her grandmother, Mrs. Higgins, who was visiting her, went to visit with her daughter, Mrs. Clarissa Fleming, a few days. When Harry returned to the garage, after dinner, I went to Inglis St. with him and after making a few little purchases, visited Mr. & Mrs. C. A. Blaikie on Queen St. Then Glenn and Nina came in to Truro, and about 9 o’clock we started for home, whence we arrived safely.

Wednesday, June 10, 1942 – A nice fine, warm day. Was pretty tired this a.m. Suppose I am not as young as I used to be. I knitted, and mended, and read. George and Dickie went away this a.m. Roy and Edna and Mr. Wood, Dickie’s father, went to Truro with them. We cannot talk of these war time partings, which leave such sore hearts; and what of the  youths and young men, many going from home for the first time? They must be brave boys to go with a cheery smile, and we must give our farewells with a bright face and tender smile too, as we clasp their firm young hands at parting. Y. L. Club was held in the hall this p.m. Olive has a bealed finger; hope it gets well soon.

Thursday, June 11, 1942 – A nice shiny day. Pretty warm. Was in Roy’s this a.m. Edna was helping Olive, on account of her bealed finger. Dick Wood got his turn down from the Army and came home; George is left alone; I hope some kind friend comes in contact with him, to help him in his loneliness. If he can turn to the Great Friend who is ready to comfort him, it will be well. I cut patchwork, and knitted most of the day. Was in Mr. Margeson’s a little while. There is a dance tonight, in the hall. It is the first time there has been a dance in this hall and, at this time, I long for it not to be. (blank) I wrote to F. J. B., F. M. G. and Mrs. A. Miller today. Our Leonard would have been 38 years old today, had he lived. It is twenty-four years ago last January 27^th – 1918.

Friday, June 12, 1942 – A fine, hot day. Still hot tonight. Was in Olive’s and Edwin’s this a.m. Saw Edna washing and dressing baby Keith, as Olive’s finger is still sore. I finished up the crib quilt. Mrs. Alex Fulton was up to a meeting in the hall at Springside, and was in here, to tell us of the speaker, Mrs. Maude MacKinnon, whose home is in C. B.; but has been a missionary to Korea; but had to leave on account of the war. This is Glenn’s 49^th birthday. Went with Mrs. Alex as far as Mr. Margeson’s.

Saturday, June 13, 1942 – Another fine day; was as hot as yesterday. Was in Roy’s this a.m. Olive’s finger is pretty sore yet. Edna had a letter from George today; he has some acquaintances & friends with him. I was so glad to know that there were friends with him; and he seems quite content, though he must miss home. I just sewed and knitted this p.m. Had a short sleep. Thomas F. and Morris B. went to Truro tonight. Glenn and Alice are at the store etc., tonight. Georgie (Mrs. G. Bentley) called a while tonight; also Edith Goodwin.

Sunday, June 14, 1942 – A cold chilly day, windy too. We were all at church this morning, and Glenn to Mr. and Mrs. Sproule to S. Branch this evening. Morris and Nina were at Y. P. S. C. E. Roy was in during the evening. Tom F. did not come back last night; he has taken his (blank) to Brookfield today to see Mrs. S. Fields.

Monday, June 15, 1942 – Dark, but no rain. Went to Burnside with Martin Johnson. Stayed at Mrs. J. W. Deyarmond’s all night. Had a nice time.

Tuesday, June 16, 1942 – A nice, quite fine day. Mrs. J. W. Deyarmond and I walked to her neighbor’s – Mrs. Everett Deyarmond’s and spent the most of the a.m. there; I was there to dinner. Jean Deyarmond & her little Terry are visiting there, with her cousins, Arthur & Mary Deyarmond & their children, Eldridge, Velma & Wayne. In the p.m. about 5 o’clock I went to Upper Burnside with Martin Johnson & am here tonight. The men of Burnside and Pembroke were fixing the Pembroke Cemetery today.

Wednesday, June 17, 1942 – Cloudy; was at Martin Johnson’s last night; Messrs. Leonard Johnson and his son-in-law Jefferson Cox were here at (Martin Johnson’s) all night too. Homer Johnson took me to his home this a.m. (Mr. and Mrs. Alfred Johnson’s); was there to dine, then Homer took me to William MacKay’s (Willie) where I spent the p.m.; going back to Martin’s in the evening. The whole family – Mr. & Mrs. Willie MacKay & their son and his wife, Mr. & Mrs. Roy MacKay, came too; we had a nice evening with Mr. & Mrs. Martin Johnson, Elmer and Martin Junior, their grandson, and Leonard Johnson, a brother of Martin’s. At Mr. MacKay’s I met Mr. and Mrs. Ross, the minister and his wife, of Springside & Burnside congregational also Miss Boutilier, the school teacher.

Thursday-Friday, June 18-19, 1942 – Rather damp and cloudy. Left Martin Johnson’s this a.m. when Martin (Junior) went with the mail; he took me to Mrs. P. W. Graham’s; then he and Leonard Johnson went on to Upper Stewiacke Village, where the mail is sent to Brookfield Etc. Spent a nice day at Mrs. Graham’s; with her and her daughter & little Eleanor Eva (Mrs. Mac Carter & her baby Eleanor Eva) and Grant, Mrs. Graham’s son. Was there all night, and the next a.m. Grant took me to Mrs. Allan Deyarmond’s & her son & his wife – they all live together, where I spent a very nice half day; going to Mrs. Cyrus Graham’s with her son Maxwell, who had an errand at Mrs. Deyarmond’s. A pleasant p.m. was spent with Mrs. Graham; and later Miss Boutilier and little Walter Fulton, who has his home at Mrs. Graham’s, came from school, and we enjoyed their company too. Grant Graham came for me before he milked the cows, and I returned to his home with him, where another nice evening was spent with them.

Saturday, June 20, 1942 – Rained some this a.m. but we have had a fine afternoon. Martin (Junior) called for me this a.m. and I returned home. He going to the P. O. with the mail. Thus ended one of the most pleasant visits I have spent among those dear friends-relatives of my own, kind husband, who has been in the Silent Land for many years. Their attentions to me, and the kindnesses shown, strengthens much and warms the heart for the battle of life, and will not soon be forgotten. And the letters from others, which awaited me at home, and the kind words of the home folks are much appreciated too. This week, on Wednesday, Shirley graduated from the Provincial Normal College at Truro: and the school year ended in this section, as the Provincial exams are held in the school house here, next week.

Sunday, June 21, 1942 – Sabbath. A fine warm day. We were all at church. The sermon was a sketch of John the Baptist’s life – his Christian parentage, good training, simple living – plain in his daily life, humble and brave, also exercising self-denial. Mr. Sproule enlarged on these qualities, and applied them to our daily life. Nina spent all afternoon away. Ruby Chase was here to tea; we like her, and hope she will make a splendid woman, if she is spared to live to womanhood. Glenn, Alice and Shirley and Ruby, Freda & Leslie took a drive. I called at Mr. Margeson’s and Edwin’s; Edwin has a bealed hand, and Olive, a sore finger – it is at the root of the sides of her nail. Mrs. Percy Goodwin came with Edith when she came to Cross Roads tonight, and is staying here a few days of all is well. Morris is away.

Monday, June 22, 1942 – Cloudy, with some sunshine. The clothes which were washed dried. I did not do much except sew a little; was at Roy’s a short time with Flora, she was there to tea; then she, Alice and Glenn went to J. D. Cox’s to call a little while. Chester Rutherford’s hen house and some other buildings in Birch Hill, Mid. St’k, were burned last night or early this a.m. They saved the house. Mrs. A. P. Fulton is here this evening. Had a letter from F. J. B., and wrote to her, to send tomorrow. Snaps of Vivian in it.

Tuesday, June 23, 1942 – Cloudy, with a little sunshine. Sent a letter to F. J. B. Flora and Alice went to Aleck Fulton’s in the p.m. Mrs. Pearson & I were calling at Mrs. Margeson’s, Mrs. S. G. Fulton’s and Mrs. Roy Blaikie’s. Mrs. Edwin Blaikie was not at home; having gone to see Mrs. J. D. Cox an hour or so. Edith Goodwin came for her mother, and took her up to Mrs. Rutherford’s where she has boarded this school year.

Wednesday, June 24, 1942 – Foggy this morning, but a warm day, with a shower in the late p.m. The women of the congregation cleaned the church this a.m., had their lunch and then the general, or annual meeting of the Aids; which is held after the yearly cleaning of the church. None of is were there. Mrs. Alex & I called on Mrs. Dr. Creelman in the p.m. and Mrs. Alex came here to tea afterwards. Flora and Edith Goodwin returned to their home in East Stewiacke, after the Cross Roads School picnic, where Edith has taught successfully the last year. We had a nice visit with Mrs. Goodwin (Flora).

Thursday, June 25, 1942 – Clouds, sunshine and a thunder shower – and there was a rainbow in the sky in the p.m. Alice was at Mrs. Hamilton’s. Nina was at the school house taking Provincial exams – only one today. Robert Sproule was here to dinner, and Leslie was at the manse to tea. Mrs. Herman Johnson called in the p.m. I sewed and knitted most of the day. Read the news.

Friday, June 26, 1942 – A fine day; a few raindrops. I knitted and sewed this a.m. I knitted and sewed this a.m. After dinner I went to see Jean Deyarmond (Mrs. Lester Deyarmond) and Mrs. Everett Deyarmond, Lester’s mother, who is visiting with Jean and Little Terry. Had a nice tome.

    “I walked a mile with pleasure,
     She chattered all the way;
     But left me none the wiser,
     for all she had to say.
     I walked a mile with sorrow,
     and ne’er a word said she
     But, oh, the things I learned from her,
     when sorrow walked with one.”

Saturday, June 27, 1942 – Another nice, fine day. Not very hot. I was to see Roy’s folk twice; and was at Mr. Margeson’s too in the p.m. Finished another pair of socks (Red Cross). Morris and Tom went to Truro tonight.

    “When e’er I take my walk abroad,
     Each work of Thine I see
     Speaks of an everlasting God
     And points my soul to thee.
     I see Thee in the beauteous rose,
     The lily speaks of Thee;
     And every fragrant flower that grows,
     Breathes Jesus name to me.

Sunday, June 28, 1942 – Sabbath. A nice fine day; not too warm. Rain in some places. We were all at church. Mr. Sproule preached a fine sermon on the way alcoholic drinks are so plentiful in our armies. The temptation leads young people into the habit of using it; the sugar, grain and other things used in its manufacture, which should be used in supplying food &c to the world is no honor to our government. The sermon was a strong one; and (that) protests, petitions and what not have been sent to our government, with practically no attention paid to them, is a sad thought for any people. How can such measures expected to bless any country. Alice, Glenn, Shirley, Freda and Leslie went to Burnside to church in the afternoon, and were home before supper. Alda Brenton called a little while after tea. Nina was with Ruby Chase this p.m. Ruby was in a minute.

Monday, June 29, 1942 – A nice warm day; rain would be good for crops in this place; but it will come in time. Alice washed the clothes, and they dried well. Had letters from E. M. B. and Mrs. J. W. MacDonald. Ruby Chase was here to tea. The reception for Mr. and Mrs. Timothy Dean (nee Marjorie Smith) is being held tonight, at their home in Dean, Musq. H. T. Fulton is very low tonight; the end seems very near now; He has had a long illness. Mr. Fulton passed away about tea time.

Tuesday, June 30, 1942 – Another nice fine day. No rain yet. We finished the ironing. I sewed and knitted. Wrote to E. M. B. Morris went to Truro in the late p.m. Tom Fulton is preparing to take his mother and Madeline, Put’s eldest girl, to North River tomorrow.

Wednesday, July 1, 1942 – Another fine, dry day. I just knitted and sewed today. The funeral of the late Hedley T. Fulton was held at his home, at 2:30 p.m. Reverends J. Marshall Sproule and A. T. MacDonald attended it. Also Drs. Stewart and Reid of Halifax and Truro. None of this household were there except Glenn. Morris had gone to Burnside and brought Eva Grey (Gray) from Mrs. P. W. Graham’s, where she was visiting Mrs. Mac Carter & Baby Eleanor Eva.. She had tea, and then he took her back to Truro. Alice and Shirley were at Mrs. G. W. Butcher’s, attending the Evening Auxiliary. Mrs. Alex Fulton and Madeline (granddaughter) were motored to North River by Tom Fulton this p.m. after the funeral service.

Thursday, July 2, 1942 – Fine; quite warm, no rain yet. Went to Mrs. Hamilton’s with G. R. and Glenn in the p.m. – Freda and I. Had a fine visit. Glenn came for us in his car – he and Shirley. Mrs. Hamilton gave me bags to make lining for quilts for the W. M. S. box for home missions. Wrote to W. F. B at 5518 S. W.7^th St. Miami.

Friday, July 3, 1942 – Quite warm, but cloudy most of the day. No rain except a few drops, yet. Freda was to Brookfield to see Alga today; went and came with Glenn and G. R. on the truck. I was in Roy’s a little while. Wrote to Mrs. MacDonald today. Shirley was visiting at her Grandma Hamilton’s. Morris did not go to choir practice.

Saturday, July 4, 1942 – Dark and cloudy; a few spatters of rain. Was in Mrs. Margeson’s twice this p.m. Read to Leslie from Paddy and the Beaver. He is quite interested in it. Not much to write tonight. Wrote a letter to w. G. Frances, 902 Spadina Crescent, Saskatoon, Sask., this week. Had a letter from my niece Miriam Sarcy today. She is in Canton, Maine.

Sunday, July 5, 1942 – Sabbath. misty this a.m. but fine in the p.m. All at church except Glenn. The sermon was from Gal. 5:1. ‘Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free.’ Christian liberty. Shirley was invited to Mrs. Sproule’s this p.m. Tom Fulton and Morris Blaikie went to Truro in Tom’s car this afternoon. Alice and Glenn, Freda and Leslie, went to the Riverside Cemetery, and called at J. W. Benvie’s. Erma is home from Wolfville for 3 days. I hope rain may come tonight; but whatever comes “is best.” For the Father’s most beautiful lesson is every to wait and be still.

Monday, July 6, 1942 – Clouds and sunshine; no rain today. Alice washed, and I got my ironing done. When Alice finished the wash, she went to Mrs. Hamilton’s, and came home after tea. Freda is at A. Putnam Fulton’s tonight. Had letters from F. J. B. and St. Fred S. Woodworth, No. 61 C. A. (B), T. C., New Glasgow, N. S.

Tuesday, July 7, 1942 – We had quite a little bit of rain this forenoon; it did the gardens a lot of good. Had a nice letter from George M. Blaikie; he writes a nice letter. Is in Yarmouth now. I put another crib quilt in the frames today. Leslie helped me get it ready. Edna was in a short time this p.m. Ruth was in too. Glenn and G. R. were to Halifax.

Wednesday, July 8, 1942 – Cleared off and was fine. Alice had the Y. L. Club this p.m. Guess all enjoyed it. Mrs. Graham Cox was here. She is in the store of the late H. T. Fulton now. Had Olive’s and Edwin’s baby on my knee a little while; he is a sweet little fellow.

Thursday, July 9, 1942 – Fine again. Mrs. Alex Fulton returned from North River last night. She had a nice visit. The W. M. S. met in the hall had a temperance program. Some of the pieces were read; a paper written by Mrs. Abram Bentley was good. Next month the subject is to be Home Missions. Mrs. Sproule, Mrs. Benvie and I are to arrange about it. Was in Mrs. Margeson’s a while tonight. Got our second crib quilt out of the frames today. Just have to bind it now. Wrote to F. J. B. this week.

Friday, July 10, 1942 – Fine, but not hot. The wind, cool. I finished the crib quilt – binding it. Had a letter from Mrs. Austin Cox (nee Rita Fisher). Shirley and Nina are attending a shower for Mary Kennedy at Billy Patterson’s. Glenn and Tom went to Putnam Fulton’s after tea. They were helping him put in some hay. Germany has taken Sebastopol, in the Crimean Peninsula.

Saturday, July 11, 1942 – Cloudy but not rain. Wind cool. I sewed most all day. Leslie was at his Uncle Wilmer’s all day – nearly. Freda and Leslie were at the ball game; also Shirley and Nina.

Sunday, July 12, 1942 – Sabbath. Cloudy; a few sprinkles of rain. All of us attended church except Morris; he was away. Alice & Glenn and Roy and Edna were invited to the manse to dinner. Glenn, Alice, Shirley, Leslie, Freda & I were away for a drive, around Musq., & home via Southvale this p.m. It is after tea.

Monday-Thursday, July 13-16, 1942 – Fine as usual; no rain here yet. Alice washed with water hauled. Lola Mason came to make us a little visit today. Have not been writing lately. This is now Wednesday July15th. All the days have been fine – but there was thunder and lightning one p.m., and through the night, yet no rain except a few spatters. There have been local showers in various places. Yesterday, Madge Johnson, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Percy W. Johnson of Meadowvale, Upper Stewiacke, was married, in Truro, by rev. F. A. Lawrence, to Malcolm MacInnes of Truro in the a.m. In the evening, Rev. J. M. Sproule united in wedlock, Mary Kennedy, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Earle Kennedy of Upper Stewiacke and Ross C. Mowatt, son of Mr. and Mrs. Ed. Mowatt of Riversdale, Pictou Co., Nova Scotia. But the day brought what looks like a sad misfortune to the people at the mill here, in this village. About ten minutes to six p.m. the mill caught fire from source underneath, and less than half an hour later was completely burned to the ground; all the machinery, and fixtures; planer, moulder, saws, carriage, carpentry tools used by Edwin (blank) were all destroyed. It seems a burden, a time of trial, but it may be in the time to come, that those who live to see it, may know it has compensations for the trouble and loss. Little Lola Mason went back to her home, in the mail, today. We liked her very much. Mr. Sproule visited us this a.m. We enjoy his visits. And Mrs. Alex Fulton, she always comes in a time of stress and strain, like the minister. They are both of the “race of Joseph” as one writer puts it. Wrote to E. M. B. today.

    It may be there is waiting for the coming of my feet
    Some joy so strangely splendid, some gift supremely sweet,
    That my heart will fill with joy and praise, Before the mercy seat.

I was in to see Olive and Baby Keith a little while. Mrs. Will Isnor and Mrs. Wilfred Fleck called on us in the late p.m. They were accompanied by Mrs. Isnor and a Mr. Burke.

Friday, July 17, 1942 – Another fine day; we are wishing for rain; there are fires in various places, causing great loss. Alice and Freda were to Mrs. Hamilton’s today. Leslie was at Mrs. Wood’s to dinner. Most of Roy’s folk were at Truro. There was preparatory service in the hall tonight. The text of the sermon was “I am the vine, ye are the branches.” It was a very nice discourse. A small audience was present.

Saturday, July 18, 1942 – Fine, smoky as there are forest fires in several places. George came home, in the mail, We were glad to see him. He is getting tanned, and hardened to his lot. Rev. Mr. Sproule had tea with us. Glenn, Alice and family went to the ball game; Mr. Sproule went too. Newton Mills won the game. I was in Mr. Margeson’s a while, and looked in at Edwin’s. There are so pleasant and cosy. Made a pair of pillow slips today; also washed a little wash of odds and ends.

Sunday, July 19, 1942 – Rain came at last, this early a.m. Not as much as we would have liked, but enough to do a lot of good to the gardens &c. It was Sacrament Sabbath; ninety-two communicants were present. It was a very impressive service, and it was good to be there. All the enders were present: Alex Fulton, J. D. Cox, (Alfred Teas, Lester Creelman, South Branch), J. W. Benvie, Roy Blaikie, Ross C. Johnson, and D. Morrison Blaikie. The church was decorated with flowers; making color and beauty around the pulpit and windows. The sermon was preached from John 15 (blank) I am (blank) Jesus is the vine, and his people are branches. They are pruned, even the good ones, and the bad ones are broken off and burned. Mrs. W. T. Nelson, and to daughters, Mrs. Geo. Dean and Miss Margaret Nelson, were our guests at dinner; Mr. and Mrs. Percy Goodwin, and daughter Edith were here a while, but returned home early, without supper; then Harry and Nellie had supper with us. We like to see their faces; and George came a short time; how good to see him! He is so bright and cheery: and keeps the bright side outward. These noble young men – more and more may they be giving themselves to their part in bringing The Kingdom of God into this sad, and sinful world. Now the young folk have gone to Y. P. S. and the day is almost done.

Monday, July 20, 1942 – Dark this a.m., but a little rain in the night; and it is raining this eve. But Alice washed, and we got the clothes dried; and I got mine ironed. Mr. & Mrs. Wilkins MacKenzie were here this a.m. He was after some lumber, which was ordered before the mill was burnt; he got some of it, but not all; some windows of which he got only the frames. Mrs. MacKenzie called at both houses; we enjoyed her company very much. George went back to Yarmouth today. It is hard to know he is gone – with his bright ways, and attractive personality. It will gain him friends, and I believe, if he is spared, he will go far in doing good and noble work. He brought me a pretty gift, showing his kind thought for h is grandmother. He is always good to me. Was in Roy’s a little while tonight.
    Note: The following letter, dated July 20^th, 1942, was written by Elmira Blaikie to Eva Gray. The original was kept by Eva Blaikie and passed on to her family at her death in 1989.
    Dear Eva,
    It was such a nice surprise to get your letter! Thank you so much for it. Yes, I too hope to have a good talk together, sometime soon I trust. I am glad you are happy in thinking of the future; and I hope you and Morris will be a truly Christian couple; I believe you will be, too. I have asked God to guide my boy in his choice of a wife, and have faith to feel that he has done so: one who will help him to be the man he has always been; and also as you both grow older in days and years, you continue to do your part in the fine things of life – kind and loving things.
    Morris has been so much to me, and I always hoped that he would marry a woman who loved God, and put Heaven and Home, as the first things in life; by home I mean making it a place where both husband and wife give God and His service the first place in it. And I believe he is getting one of that kind. 
    Yes, Eva, I want you to be like one of my daughters; and I hope you can feel confidence in me, too. I, too, need affection and have it in my dear ones; in some measure at least. I did not mean that Morris was not doing right, exactly; but that he would ripen as he grew in days and wisdom; he is a fine young man, I think myself. 
    I think it is the right way for Morris to tell your father about the plans you and he are making; and that he will approve of them. And I trust that ere long you and Morris may have a home of your own, and be happy in it. It is not the fine furnishings, and costly surroundings that make a fine home, but I know you are aware of that fact.
    I do trust, and look forward to the future, with quiet happiness, and confidence. May God bless and keep you and Morris near to himself is my wish for you.
    With love,
    Mira Blaikie
    PS: This is not much of all I think, but we can talk more when we see each other. M. B.

Tuesday, July 21, 1942 – Some showers, and cloudy all day. Roy and Morris went to Oxford to make arrangements for buying a new rotary. They completed their purchase, and returned home in the early evening. I purposed spending the day at the manse, but as it was rainy, thought I would not go. However, after some trips made by Paul and Robert Sproule, back and forth carrying notes, Mrs. Sproule finally got Will Cox to come for me, in his car. He and Paul or Eric Sproule arrived, and we went to Mrs. Sproule’s. Will went to his home; after being thanked by us for his kindness. I spent a pleasant day at the manse. Mr. and Mrs. Sproule are nice people; and I trust they, and their five little boys, may be among us for some years. We never know. Glenn and the little ones came for me; I was in Mrs. G. R. Deyarmond’s a few minutes on the way home.

Wednesday, July 22, 1942 – A fine day; cool breeze. Was in Roy’s two or three times. Mr. and Mrs. Lordley of Halifax were there; or both came, and she sat in the car. Jean, Freda and I were at the mill, looking at them cleaning up the junk; it is a disagreeable job. Mr. Lordley was on business and before he left, Mr. Grey, a boiler tester came, to see whether the boiler could be used again. Mrs. Alex Fulton called. Alda is still at Roy’s. Mr. Howard Redmond broke his leg some days ago and is in the C. C. Hospital, Truro. Wrote to F. J. B.

Thursday, July 23, 1942 – A big rain this a.m. Damp with showers most of the p.m. Sewed this a.m. Men could not work at cleaning up the debris – it was too wet, so they were idle – except chores. Morris & Tom took me to Mrs. Pearson’s, to see them, especially the females. Mrs. Annie Miller is about as usual – perhaps her hands are more unsteady than they were before. Tom and Morris went to Martin Johnson’s, then came and brought me home. Then Morris took Mrs. Alex home; she was in to see Mrs. J. D. Cox. I went with them.

Friday, July 24, 1942 – Cloudy this a.m. but a fine day. I sewed most of the day; was in Edwin’s tonight. I like to go there; and the dear baby – such a nice baby! The village won the ball game against Newton Mills. Edna was to see me a short time.

Saturday, July 25, 1942 – Fine and warm; a nice breeze. Was at Mrs. G. R. Deyarmond’s and got my coat fixed; and in to see the Margeson’s. Morrison and I came to Stewiacke East after tea, and I am here tonight. Audley Paul, a little boy, was drowned in the Salmon River yesterday.

Sunday, July 26, 1942 – A nice fine day. Not too hot. We did not arise very early. In the p.m. we all attended church; where we heard a splendid discourse. I think the text was from the words, “Thanks be unto God which always giveth us victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” I wish I could remember it all, but can recollect some parts of it: about Hitler forming groups of people in Germany, and instilling into their minds the principles of Hitlerism; and in six or seven years it was firmly established in that country; and Dr. Archibald said he thought “why could not little groups of Christians, meeting in little companies, cause the Gospel of Christ to be the religion all over Canada, and grow into the hearts of all people in the world in years to come.” But there were many fine things besides this. We came home; Mrs. Edith Goodwin and little Jeannie coming too: after tea, Edith and friend Grace Campbell drove Mrs. Goodwin and Jeannie home, Flora & I accompanying her. She, Mrs. G., loaned us Anne of Windy Poplars.

Monday, July 27, 1942 – Another nice fine day; quite warm, but there was a good breeze. Flora and Edith washed and ironed the clothes. Percy and Edith hauled three loads of hay, and Edith worked the pitcher, and also helped her father mow back the hay. Flora drove the horses. I knitted and read “Anne of Windy Poplars.” Flora and Percy were to call at Mr. William Dickie’s; he is very near the end of life. No more tonight.

Tuesday, July 28, 1942 – Rather dark, and a cool wind. Percy finished up the odds and ends of the hay in the – just some in corners etc. Mrs. Sharples spent the p.m., and tea with us. Had a nice visit with her. Percy, Edith and Bea Ramsey were down town tonight. They had a funny fire alarm in town tonight; a Mr. Vibert was burning a hornets nest and some people thought it was a fire. Wrote to E. M. B. yesterday and to home folks.

Wednesday, July 29, 1942 – Rained in the night. Dark, with a little sunshine today. Knitted and read in Anne of Ingleside this a.m. We had dinner, after which Percy, Flora & I drove to Miss Janie MacNutt’s where we enjoyed a nice call with her, and her little dog Gyp. She gave us some roses, dahlias, Delphiniums, and we left for home – Percy’s. Wrote to Morris yesterday.

Thursday, July 30, 1942 – Warm, with clouds and sunshine. We just did the work, and &c. this a.m. After early dinner, Percy, Flora, Edith and I went in to Truro; I stayed at Charlie’s; and the others did their errands, and came for me, and we left Truro around 3:30 or near that time. We called at Mrs. W. M. Brenton’s and saw Wayne, the little grandson. Wayne Michael, or Michael Wayne Leslie is his name. He is cute. We had Harold Wilson as a visitor this evening. Letters from F. J. B., F. S. Abrahamson and W. B. F.

Friday, July 31, 1942 – A pretty hot day. Cooler tonight. Flora and Edith Goodwin went to Alton in the a.m. and got some raspberries. Percy and I had dinner together. Flora & Edith returned between three and four o’clock p.m. Percy was hoeing. The deer have been spoiling his garden; peas, beans, beets, and so on. After tea we went to the cemetery, and put some pansies, dahlias etc. on Frederick and Edith Woodworth’s graves. My dear sister and her husband; Day (Halliday), Kathleen, and George, three of their children, sleep beside them. The cemetery is a pretty one. On our way home, we called at Mr. Andrew Miller’s, and had a friendly little visit. Wrote to Mrs. Annie Miller today.

Saturday, August 1, 1942 – Dark, with slight showers towards night. After the morning’s work was done, Edith took the car and drove Flora and me to Stewiacke – left us at the Old Home place – the house is shut up and we could not get in, but we could see a little through spaces where the blinds were not quite down, or curtains a little apart. The chairs, oilcloth on the floor, range, tables &c. as it used to be, yet all in silence; no dear one to open the door and greet us, with kindly smile, and tender touch. The flowers bloomed, most of the roses had lost their blossoms, and the honeysuckle and syringa were passed their beauty of flower. But the Monkshood and Bouncing Betties were in full bloom or opening buds. The lilies not blossomed, but with buds almost bursting. A brilliant, crimson hollyhock, close to the side of the back platform, showed its beauty: and a flower of which we knew not its name had forced its way through the banking at the side of the house, and spread itself unobtrusively, but sweetly, as if it loved to be where formerly the place was gay with morning glories and hollyhocks; trying to supply their absence. All the lovely white roses had shed their beautiful flowers, leaving the rosehips to remind one of there being there and gone for another year. A space of little daisies grew up under a window – they were planted there by those who have gone from this happy home. But the memories will still remain until life for each one has passed away.

    Leaving the old home – but not the memories – we wended our way to Mrs. Joseph Cox’s; her mother is still living – in her 87^th year. Here we were invited to dinner. Those at home were Mrs. Alice Ellis; Mr. & Mrs. Joe Cox, their daughter, Donalda, and a Mr. Fenton, and little George Ellis, a nephew who is spending part of his vacation there. (P. Prest got hurt. D’s mill.)

    From Mrs. Cox’s we went to a nearby home, Mr. & Mrs. Page Tupper’s: made a call there, seeing Page Tupper’s father, Mr. Hugh D. Tupper, who is in his 90^th year; and Mrs. Page Tupper, a pleasant lady of forty-two years. Then Charlie Meadows, who took time from his haying to motor us to his home, where we visited his wife and little son Ralph; and her sister Ethel MacLeod & and neighbor’s baby, Judith Stone, four months old. Had tea, then Percy Goodwin came for us, with Helen Rose, who was at Stewiacke Station on her way to her home at West St. Andrews; we took Helen home on the way to Wittenberg to visit Brother Water’s. Percy and Flora returned home and I stayed. Here I am upstairs writing. They are all so kind to me here, and everywhere.

Sunday, August 2, 1942 – Clouds and sunshine, more clouds. Had a nice rest last night; Water has not been very well; has not eaten very well, but thinks he is a little better. I was lying down this p.m. when Dot came and told me that Harry, Nellie and some women were downstairs. So I went down and found Elsie and her friend, Mrs. Miller. Was glad to see Elsie! And Mrs. Miller seemed very nice too. Elsie hopes to take a trip over the Cabot Trail with her friend; and will come to see us (D. V.) ere she leaves for her home in Red Bank, New Jersey. They went away and after tea John & Bertha came. John said that he would come for me on Tuesday a.m. (D. V.) and I will go out there a day or two. Miss Byers was here too, This eve., after all the guests were gone, we heard Gabriel Heatter on the radio (broadcasting war news).

Monday, August 3, 1942 – A fine day. Walter felt some better; Walter felt some better; he and his uncle John Fulton went to Stewiacke town this morning. Walter was weeding this p.m. Dot not feeling up to par, but tries to keep cheery. She misses Esther Peterson so much. Doris, Esther’s sister, is not so experienced.

Tuesday, August 4, 1942 – A fine day; but some clouds. Got up in time to have breakfast with them. Guess I had done that every morning, here. Soon after nine, John and Bertha came for me and took me to their home in Chaswood. We had a nice time together: none of the family are at home – just themselves; Clyde Bell, who helps John, eats but does not sleep at the house: lives right near them. After the work was done, John, Bertha and I had a talk of times and place and people. Then Bertha got sleepy – she is not well anyway – and went to bed. John and I sat up until half past ten or so, then retired – having had a very pleasant evening.

Wednesday, August 5, 1942 – A nice fine day. Got up, and dressed, etc., and came down to breakfast a few minutes after eight a.m. Ha a nice talk with Bertha, helping her a little. After dinner we each rested a while. John did not go to help hay. He rested himself, and got Mr. Alvin Sargent to help Clyde Bell with the hay. Then at tea time, Ralph and Edith Holman and little Arnold came to see them. After tea, and the chores being done, John and Bertha & Arnold took me back home to brother Walter’s. Bertha and I had such a nice walk, to see the old places – new to me – and the school house in the p.m. Now all are in bed, and I must go too.

Thursday, August 6, 1942 – Another fine day, cool eve. Just a day like yesterday. Dot & Walter and Doris Peterson made hay this p.m. John Fulton and I kept house. After the milking was done, Dot, Doris, Walter and I picked beans, peas and some carrots. Now it is bedtime.

Friday, August 7, 1942 – Fine. Dot, Doris and Walter were haying at the Wilson Place; W. Fulton and I kept house. At evening time Dot, Doris & Walter took me to Percy’s.

Saturday, August 8, 1942 – Quite a good hay day. The haymakers would get hay in. Edith went to pick berries with Miss Janie McNutt. Percy and Mrs. Stewart were making hay at the marsh. Edith met Mrs. Ashton and daughter Anne at the station (?) at Stewiacke this p.m. and brought them to Percy’s. In the evening, Flora, Mrs. Ashton & Anne, Percy, Mr. Stewart & I, went to Stewiacke; Flora and I were to call on Mrs. Raymond Stewart & Mrs. E. Cox. Mr. Stewart was in town, too. We returned to Percy’s and retired.

Sunday, August 9, 1942 – Sabbath. A nice fine day. A quiet a.m. Glenn, Alice, Freda and Leslie arrived in the p.m. Alice, Mrs. Ashton, Flora and Edith went to church. Percy, Glenn, T. J. Hawkins, Anne Ashton, Freda, Leslie and I remained at home. After tea, Glenn & family (what were there), Edith Goodwin and I came to Upper Stewiacke, and Edith & Nina & I guess Shirley, who had been to Dean with Viola Dean, were at Y. P. S. C. E.

Monday, August 10, 1942 – A refreshing rain fell in the early morning, and this a.m. The men could not work at the mill. I had two birthday cards today. Shirley was at the manse to tea.

Tuesday, August 11, 1942 – It was foggy this a.m., but was quite a fine day, with a few clouds. We ironed the clothes this forenoon. Edna was up in the p.m. and brought me a gift for my birthday – a pink silk slip. All my folks are so kind! Flossie sent me a photograph album, Leonard, a nice card, Edith, a nice card and $2.00, Harry and Nellie, a card and a box of chocolates and a $2 bill. Mabel Redden sent a card and $1. I did not expect her to do that. Eva Steel, a card; I got so many cards. I can scarcely remember them all. (Edith Boomer sent me $2 in her card.)  Dear sister Mary sent a pretty card, and a nice little hanky. How good all were to me! And I am very grateful, but undeserving. It is evening – a sweet, quiet evening, so many evenings in the summertime are like this. The Short Course for Young Ladies began today. There is a ball game tonight.

Wednesday, August 12, 1942 – Pretty fine; hot and rather close. Just fussed round this a.m. In the p.m. Edna was up a little while and Roy took Edna, Olive and Baby Keith and me to Mrs. Alex’s and Mrs. Putnam Fulton’s to Aid & Club combined. It was a nice time. Ladies present: Mrs. H. Sproule, (Rev. J. M.’s mother), Mrs. J. D. Cox and daughter, Mrs. Hodge, from Truro, Miss Schurman, Mrs. G. R. Deyarmond, Mrs. Roy Blaikie, Mrs. Glenn Blaikie, Mrs. Edwin Blaikie & Baby Keith, Mrs. Luther Miller, Mrs. Frank L. Fulton and daughter Mrs. Guy Graham. Sent a letter to F. J. B. & D. C. W.

Thursday, August 13, 1942 – Another fine day. Quite hot. The girls was at the hall, taking the course of instruction provided by W. J. In the p.m. we had a meeting of the W. M. S. at Mrs. G. R. Deyarmond’s. Mrs. Alex Fulton, president, & Mrs. Roy Blaikie, secretary, were present; treasurer Mrs. W. D. Kennedy, absent. Others Mrs. J. Sproule, Mrs. Alvin Carter and Mrs. Janet Geddes were visitors. Mrs. Hamilton, Mrs. Sproule & myself were members. Was in Roy’s a while after tea. The call came to Morris and Edwin to go for medical examinations, to enlist in the Army. Mrs. Sproule is at Roy’s tonight. The men are busy setting up the mill.

Friday, August 14, 1942 – Dark, with rain – not heavy – in the p.m. Alice washed; I knitted, and read to Freda & Leslie. Had a letter from Mrs. A. J. Harrison (nee Eva Cooke), Box 155, Maccan, Cum., Co., telling me of her mother having broken two bones in one of her shoulders; and coming to her, so as to give Margaret Isnor – with whom she (Aunt Jessie) lives, much needed rest. Wrote to G. B. R., Timmins, Ont. The young folk are at choir practice.

Saturday, August 15, 1942 – Rather dark, with warm wind. I read to Freda and Leslie some of the time. In the p.m., Morris, Shirley and Dickie Wood drove into Truro; also Olive, Edwin and little Keith. Edwin and Morris were taking medical examinations, to see if they were physically fitted for army service. Dr. Curtis examined Edwin, and Dr. McCurdy examined Morris. In time we will know for sure what the verdict is. Edwin & Olive &c. arrived, before the others came home. Edwin has ear trouble that is apt to keep him from enlisting; and Morris was said to be A. by Dr. McCurdy.

Sunday, August 16, 1942 – Sabbath. Fine; warm. A student preacher, Mr. Gass, had service here in the a.m., and at South Branch in the p.m. He is going into the Aberdeen Hospital, New Glasgow, this week, to have his appendix removed (D. V.). Mr. and Mrs. Gerald Thompson were at the old home (Strathlorne) and Mr. Gass motored in with them. He felt badly this morning at church. Morris took Mrs. Sproule and me to Springside to hear a sacred concert put on by the people of that congregation. The music was mostly from the old ‘choir’ – an old time music book. Mrs. Ross, the minister’s wife, gave a nice address. Glenn, Alice and Freda and Leslie attended the musicale. Mr. and Mrs. Philip Cox, Mr. and Mrs. Parker Cox, and little Marilyn, and Miss Densmore of Noel Shore called a while in the p.m. Roy was up a few minutes at night.

Monday, August 17, 1942 – Fine, hot and breezy. Clothes dried fine. I did not iron this p.m. I rested a while, and cut patchwork pieces. Was at Mrs. Margeson’s after supper. Wrote E. M. B.

Tuesday, August 18, 1942 – A rainy day for the a.m. They did not work much. Tom Fulton went home. I just knitted &c. Roy and Edna took Geo. to Brookfield, but the train was late, and connections could not be made with the D. A. R.; so getting a paper from the station agent, he returned, and will have the night at home. I was at Mr. Margeson’s after tea.

Wednesday, August 19, 1942 – This was a foggy morning but was a fine, breezy day. Roy, Edwin and Morris went to Halifax today; Geo. went to Bedford with them, but left them there, and went to Yarmouth; or that was the plan. None of them have returned. Glenn and G. R. were to I know not where today. Freda and I were in Edwin’s tonight; and also in to see Edna and Thelma a little while. Mrs. Cameron Pratt died today.

Thursday, August 20, 1942 – A nice day; cloudy toward night. I sewed at a quilt this a.m. and peeled some apples. Also nibbed or strung some green beans. In the p.m. I walked to the village; called at the store, at the manse, and had tea at J. D. Cox’s. It was a very pleasant afternoon. Glenn came for me; I had intended to walk home, too. Glenn is good to me.

Friday, August 21, 1942 – Rather cloudy. Smoke is in the air. There must be a fire some place. I just did some household duties this a.m. In the p.m., soon after dinner, I went to Roy’s; Freda went too. Edna, Thelma, Jean, (Ruth, I think), Shirley and Nina & myself & Mrs. Wood went to see the smoke stack of the mill raised and put into place. Mrs. L. Irving was the chief director. It was got into place without any accident, and all were glad to see it standing in place again. The short course of instruction for girls and young women finished today. Their knitting, mending etc. were exhibited at the hall; none of us were present. Shirley, Nina and Ruth had taken the course, and were there of course.

Saturday-Sunday, August 22-23, 1942 – Saturday & Sabbath. A warm day. Smokey or foggy all day. Just did little things this a.m. In the p.m. I got some little bits pf mending etc. done; and between three and four o’clock, Morris and I set out to Stewiacke East. Arrived there; and Morris & Eva (Woodworth) Steele started for Truro. Morris got the valve, which was being repaired; and then he and Eva Steel and Eva Grey (Gray) came to Percy Goodwin’s. We got to bed at rather a late hour; slept well – I did anyway, and got up to see a fine morning, and a very pleasant day. I think each and everyone enjoyed the quiet and kindly atmosphere, and thoughtfulness, one for another. We were comfortably accommodated for the night; all except Edith Goodwin, who slept on the sofa and did not rest very well. Flora was not very well through the night; had some of her choking spells. Flora does not rest very well – I wish she was better. After dinner was over we got ready and went to church – all the household. The text of Dr. Archibald’s sermon was, “Whereas I was blind, now I see.” I cannot remember it much. We may all see, spiritually, if we prepare ourselves to do so. Came back to Percy’s – had tea – Mr. W. M. Brenton, his daughter Freda, and Jeannie Marshall, little daughter, of the Brookfield manse, had tea with us: ten of us. The supper over, the Brenton’s went home to Brookfield; and not long after, Morris, Eva Gray and I left for Truro; she remained at her little, cosy room on Arthur Street, and Morris and I came home; Glenn, Alice and family had been to New Glasgow, Woodburn &c. but were home. And thus ended a very pleasant time. I think we all enjoyed our visit at Stewiacke East; and trust it may be a pleasant remembrance in the days to come. A peaceful Sabbath Day, for which we may be very grateful, when we think of what is going on in other parts of the world; and may yet be here.

Monday, August 24, 1942 – Cool, but cloudy, with slight showers, but cleared off before night, and is quite cold tonight. Alice washed the clothes. We did not iron. (I did not.) Was in Roy’s this a.m. and Mrs. Margeson’s after tea. Must go to bed.

Tuesday, August 25, 1942 – Pretty cool last night, and the same tonight; did not hear of frost; there was fog here! The Duke of Kent was killed today. It was an airplane accident; do not know the particulars. Shirley went to Meadowvale tonight, but came back, as there had been a disagreement among the trustees of the school. so she thought it better to come home; but later, Glenn and Alice went to Philip Cox’s, called the school inspector (Truro), who advised that she open the school in the morning: so the intention is to do so. Roy and Ruth were up tonight; Jean was in (in) the p.m. Edna was (in) this a.m., Mrs. Margeson was, too.

Wednesday, August 26, 1942 – There was frost last night; it is fine today, though cool. I wrote to F. J. B. Shirley went to Meadowvale to begin teaching there. Mrs. Sproule Sr. had tea with us. Harry, Nellie, Mrs. Fleming, June, Lee & Mary called and then went away to have a picnic lunch. Mr. and Mrs. Chas. A. Blaikie, Mrs. C. Mattatall and little Gail came in the eve. to stay all night, and I went to Truro or rather to Short’s Lake with Harry & Nellie & Mrs. Fleming & the children. Morris jammed his thumb.

Thursday, August 27, 1942 – Cold this a.m., but a fine day. We had a good sleep last night, Mrs. Fleming and I at the cottage on the lake. And after breakfast Harry & I set out for Truro. Mr. or Pte. & Mrs. Ralph Emeny are at Harry’s. She is boarding & keeps house for Nellie while she is at the lake. Had a nice time this a.m. & after dinner Mrs. Elsie W. MacLeod and Mrs. Alma Williams Miller called for me and took my picture; then took me to the movies and to a dinner at the Palliser. They came to Harry’s with me; and were so nice and kind! I hope to see them tomorrow night again. Nellie was out this eve. and I telephoned to Eva Gray to see if she would come here for the evening with me. She came and we had a nice time together. She was here, a while after Nellie and Ralph came home, Now I must get ready for bed.

Friday, August 28, 1942 – Quite a nice day; not so hot. Nellie went to the lake on the bus this a.m. Was out a little while this p.m. and after Ralph came home in the evening he took me to the Stanley House to see some moving pictures, which Mrs. Allan MacLeod, assisted by Mrs. Alma Miller, were showing there. The pictures were life and scenes in Mexico; the Battle of Pearl Harbour and the visit of Queen Elizabeth and King George to Canada. Had a very nice time; bade farewell in a sort of way to the girls – Mrs. MacLeod and Mrs. A. Miller. Came home, and retired.

Saturday, August 29, 1942 – Chilly in the a.m. Mr. & Mrs. Ralph Emeny, who have been at Harry’s, left to spend a week in P. E. I. Nellie drove them in the car to the station; Mary and I went too. After dinner Harry took me to Charlie’s, where I spent a pleasant p.m. with Charlie & Bessie and Gail (Mrs. C. Mattatall) and her daughter, little Gail. In the evening Morris and Eva Gray came and they and Eva’s cousin, Jean Smith, accompanied me to Harry’s. Harry invited Morris to spend the night there; and, after a few hours, he came back, and slept.

Sunday, August 30, 1942 – Sabbath. a nice sunshiny day. Most of the family, which were home, attended church. Also Morris and Eva. In the p.m. they had a trip around the park &c.; Harry, Nellie, Little Mary and I went to their cottage at the lake; Morris came in shortly before tea time, and we had tea and the Morris & I came home to Upper Stewiacke; and Morris went to Y. P. S. C. E.

Monday, August 31, 1942 – Fine – quite warm in the early p.m. Nina and I walked down to see them working at the mill after dinner. All seem to be busy. We stayed quite a while. After tea I soon went to bed. Alice to Mr. Margeson’s, and the others to the ball game, in which Middle Stewiacke won 24-19. Winfred Patterson is working on the truck with Glenn, as G. R. Deyarmond has to have an operation for rupture.

Tuesday, September 1, 1942 – Word came from the hospital that J. W. Benvie has cancer of the bowel; a very serious disease. Ruby Chase was in twice today. She seems pretty well. I was not anywhere/ This has been a not day; it is some cooler now.

Wednesday, September 2, 1942 – Fine, pretty hot, another dry time. I did some little things besides my chamber work this a.m. and worked at patchwork for a quilt. In the p.m. I was a Roy’s a while; and after tea we went to a joint meeting of the W. M. S. and Evening Auxiliary at the hall. We had our meetings, and then planned for the celebration of the sixtieth anniversary of the forming of Upper Stewiacke Auxiliary of the W. M. S. The arrangements were all made for it. The time set for the gathering was Sept. 17 and the entertainment was planned. Putman Fulton and little girls, Madeline and Barbara, came for Mrs. Fulton (Mrs. Alex) and they were kind enough to take me home. Wrote to Mrs. Girdwood.

Thursday, September 3, 1942 – Cooler and cloudy. Looks like rain. Alice was preserving and working at various things. In the p.m. I was making a woolen quilt &c. After tea I was at Roy’s. He is to sell tickets at a dance, and Edna is one of the chaperones; the dance is in the hall Morris and Nina are there. Glenn and Alice were to see the Benvies after tea. J. W. Benvie came out of the operation; but at four o’clock p.m., Irma, his daughter, phoned from Truro that he was in very critical condition. Nothing more has been heard; Jimmie Benvie is training at Debert, and has rheumatic fever, and four of the family at home, have mumps. It is a testing time for them; but they are brave. G. R. Deyarmond has had his operation for rupture, doing well.

Friday, September 4, 1942 – Cool, with a few drops of rain; cloudy. Was in to see the Margesons today. Was glad to see them. Mrs. Roy, Glenn & Edwin Blaikie & myself met in our kitchen this p.m. All the Mrs. Blaikies in this village. Jean E. B. Cox was in a little while too. Shirley walked home from Meadowvale tonight. There is a meeting of the C. G. I. T. and their mothers, in Springside tonight. Nina, Edwin and Edna went & Ruth. We heard no word from J. W. Benvie.

Saturday, September 5, 1942 – Rainy last night; fine this p.m. There was enough rain water caught in the cask here for Alice to do some washing. I just tidied up the bedrooms and did a few odd jobs this a.m. In the p.m. did not do very much of anything, only a kittle knitting. Mrs. Arnold Wood was here – and Audrey, her daughter, while we ate our supper, and a short time after. Then Arnold came, and they went to the store; then home I guess. Glenn, Alice, Shirley, Winfred Patterson and Mrs. G. R. Deyarmond went to Truro after dinner. Glenn was in the hospital to see G. R. Deyarmond and J. W. Benvie who are ill there. They got home before tea. Glenn & Alice are at the store now. Ernest Irving’s barn, at Shubenacadie, burned, and a Mr. Stewart Etter was burned to death in it, try to stamp out the fire which had caught in the straw from the threshing machine, which was operating in the barn. Wrote to Stanley F. Abrahamson 31050365 CoB, 809 Engineering Batt., avn, A. P. 0875, c/o Postmaster, New York, N. Y. and Mrs. Grace Al Nichols today.

Sunday, September 6, 1942 – A fine day, but cold. All at church except Glenn. Eva Gray is spending a few days with us, and she was there too. The sermon was preached from the twenty-eighth chapter of Acts, third verse. Particularly from the words, “A bundle of sticks.” Casting away the viper into the fire, is like overcoming sins, casting them from us. All sorts of bad habits, yielding to temptation and all that defiles us. We had some company after dinner, Mr. and Mrs. Percy Goodwin & their daughter Edith, who teaches school in Mill Village, and Mr. and Mrs. Harold L. Steele & their little Joyce Marion; it was nice to see them. They have gone now – all but Eva Gray; she and Morris are at Roy’s now – for the evening. They came home early. Roy was up a little while; I do enjoy having them.

Monday, September 7, 1942 – Rather cold through the night; frost. But the day was fine: there was a stiff breeze. Alice washed, and the clothes dried; I ironed my part of the wash; and Alice and the girls ironed some of theirs. Mrs. Sidney Cox called; also Mrs. Edwin Blaikie, Mrs. Alex Fulton, and daughter, Mrs. Stanley Murray (Muriel), Mrs. Roy Blaikie and, after tea, Mr. and Mrs. Edgar Gardener, Mrs. Laura B. Fulton, Frances Gardener, and L. Collins, their cousin. Morris took Eva back to her work in Truro. We have had such a nice visit from her. Glenn, Nina, Freda and Leslie & I accompanied Shirley to Mrs. Johnson’s where she boards in Meadowvale; then Glenn & Alice went to Pembroke to spend the eve. with the Gardeners & Mrs. Fulton, Mrs. Gardener’s mother.

Tuesday, September 8, 1942 – Chilly wind, cold tonight. Yesterday Glenn and Winfred Patterson, who is his assistant now while G. R. Deyarmond is in hospital were to Caribou; they went down in the Gold Mine; Winfred all the way, or to where the water was on the bottom (blank) ft. Glenn went to the first floor (blank) ft. It was the first time either of them had been down in a mine. Today I was at Roy’s a while this a.m. and after dinner I went to the store – saw Mrs. H. T. Fulton on the road a few minutes; and got a little purchase at the store, and went to the manse to tea. Mrs. Sproule Sen’r is still there – and we had a very nice time. The boys are nice little fellows. Morris came for me, and we got home not too late. We signed our rationed cards etc. and now to bed.

Wednesday, September 9, 1942 – A nice fine day. Was home all day – Jean was up a while in the p.m. Alice went to Y. L. C. with Olive & Baby Keith. I wrote, but did not send the letter, to Sgt. F. S. Woodworth. Had a letter from Walter Blaikie.

Thursday, September 10, 1942 – Dark; rained this p.m. I strung and shelled beans this a.m. and pieced at a crib quilt this p.m. They have nearly all the saw mill frame up now. Had a letter from Mabel Redden today.

Friday, September 11, 1942 – Dark, with a little rain. Hughie Patterson has been on the truck for two or three days: they are hauling stone for the mill road. I worked at the course quilt most of the time today; was at Roy’s a short time. The mill is going along pretty well. Mrs. G. R. Deyarmond is calling here tonight. Mr. Sproule was in a while.

Saturday, September 12, 1942 – A fine, nice day. Sewed this a.m. In the p.m. went to Mrs. Pearson’s and visited Mrs. Miller; Freda was visiting Priscilla Miller, and came to Mrs. Pearson’s to come home with me. We got home shortly after five. George Blaikie came home this a.m. Have not seen him yet, as most of Roy’s folks went to Truro after dinner, and George went with too. Morris, Nina and Dickie Wood went to Truro before dinner. None of them have returned yet.

Sunday, September 13, 1942 – Sabbath. Rather dark, and not very warm. All of us were at church. The sermon was about Joseph – a sketch of his life, and the blessing through trials. George Blaikie, who is home from Yarmouth, was up a while in the p.m. He may not be home for a while again. It is good to see him home for a little while. Shirley went back to Meadowvale, with her father. I was up to the pasture and down to Roy’s after tea. I had not been to the pasture for some time. Alda & Eldon Brenton and Thelma Blaikie who boards with them, and goes to Truro Business College, were at Roy’s this p.m. and evening.

Monday, September 14, 1942 – It looks like a fine day. 9 a.m. Am doing the bedroom, about done, and am glad. It is nice to have something – some regular things to do. We sent letters to F. J. B. and F. M. G. this a.m. There was a committee, no a rehearsal of the entertainment for Thursday night – the remembrance or the observance of the sixtieth anniversary of the formation of this Auxiliary of the W. M. S. Most of the members of the W. M. S., who could come, also those of the Mac evening auxiliary, C. G. I. T., Mission Band & Trail Rangers. We got home about 5 o’clock. Rev. H. Cooke died very suddenly this a.m. They live in (blank). He is Mrs. Sproule’s father.

Tuesday, September 15, 1942 – The day was fine, and quite warm. George went away this p.m. We are lonely for him. His bright young face was so pleasant. I was at F. B. Cox’s store, and at Mrs. G. R. Deyarmond’s this p.m.

Wednesday, September 16, 1942 – A pleasant, warm day. Cloudy. I washed some hankies and stockings &c this a.m. and was at Roy’s a while in the p.m. Then came home: Mr. Sproule was in here to see Alice this p.m. We finished ironing too. Morris is painting, at the woodwork in the two rooks at F. B. Cox’s, since tea time. Mrs. Sproule’s father’s funeral is to be held tomorrow (D. V.)

Thursday, September 17, 1942 – Foggy this morn, but a fine day. In the p.m. we attended the celebration of the sixtieth anniversary of the Auxiliary of the Women’s Missionary Society of Upper Stewiacke. It was formed in 1882. There were eleven charter members. South Branch Auxiliary was formed in 1889. We had two sessions – one in the p.m. There were people from Springside, and Burnside; also South Branch. Then Mrs. Gerald Thompson brought a car load. Mrs. J. K. MacInnis & son Freddie , Miss Adella J. Archibald (former missionary to Trinidad), Miss Earle, guest of Mrs. MacInnis, Mrs. H. R. Foster; from Brookfield came Mrs. W. M. Brenton and her son’s wife, Mrs. Eldon L. Brenton. We enjoyed the meetings, and hope that the prayers, and words of the speakers will help us to try to work more diligently in bringing the Kingdom of God all over this sorely afflicted world. Mrs. MacInnis was the speaker of the p.m.; she and Miss Archibald. Miss Archibald told of her work in Trinidad, and of her joy in it, of how she was glad to be able to carry on so long. Mrs. MacInnis spoke on and emphasized the great power of prayer to our Heavenly Father; giving instances of answered prayer; also told how that everywhere the gospel of Christ has been received – in whatever lands, the converted ones are still carrying on; even without missionaries. God will not leave himself without witness. Tea was served after the first session was over. Mr. Ross, pastor of Springside Congregation, was the only gentleman visitor at our first meeting. Mr. and Mrs. Sproule having been called away by the death of Mrs. Sproule’s father; the funeral was held today. Mr. Henry Cooke, the father, was 75 years old. At the evening meeting there were a few more men; Mr. Ross, Messrs. Dennis Graham, A. P. Fulton, Gordon Miller, Ross Johnson and Morris Blaikie. I neglected to say the Trail Rangers, boys of 7 to 14, attended the meeting & took their part. Mrs. W. M. Brenton was the speaker for the evening meeting; she stressed temperance, showing the terrible effects of drunkenness in many ways. We women, the great majority of us, should so like to sound forth our hopes and requests, firmly and with authority of those who have the welfare, yes, the true life of the nations of the world, at heart, to our government, in terms of severity and wholesale condemnation of the way liquor is being used, and supplied, regardless of what is needed for the good of the universe. The torch service, and affiliation of the C. G. I. T. with the W. M. S., were carried out. We forgot to tell of the birthday cake with its candles, being cut by Mrs. MacInnis and passed around at the end of the supper. Some being sent to those old members who had sent greetings to the meeting, but could not be there. We were home ere 10 o’clock p.m.

Friday, September 18, 1942 – Dark and misty in the a.m., but hot and muggy nearly all day. I was not out much; feeling indisposed. Shirley came from Meadowvale, and she and Nina and Morris went to choir practice. The funeral of the late Mrs. Annie Dean Ellis was held in Truro today. We hear of a doctor coming here soon.

Saturday, September 19, 1942 – Another fine warm day. Nice breeze p.m. Looks like some rain tonight. Was sewing this a.m. Sent a letter to E. M. B. and W. J. B. and received one from E. M. B. A Calgary or some place in Alberta was the first to engage in the siege of Dieppe; and was badly shattered: many, many casualties resulted; many Canadian homes, particularly in Alberta, were saddened by the death of a loved one, “killed in action.” Was in Roy’s and Edwin’s this p.m. and in Mrs. Margeson’s after supper. Shirley had tea at Mr. Wood’s. Morris is in Truro as is usual on weekends. We hear of a Dr. – Shan or Chan – being round the neighborhood today.

    Too warm, sweet, tender, even yet, a present help is he;
    and faith has yet its Olivet, and love its Galilee. 
          Whittier

Sunday, September 20, 1942 – Sabbath. A cloudy, yet warm day. All complained of the heat. Sounds like rain tonight. We were at church, and had a nice sermon preached from the fourth chapter of the Acts of the Apostles, from the 31^st to about the 35^th verses. About how those who had received the Holy Ghost lived afterwards; their kindness and gentleness. Alda and Eldon Brenton were up to Roy’s in the p.m. Also Nellie, Harry, Ralph and Mary Blaikie from Truro. Harry and Ralph had tea here: and Mary and Nellie were here for a while in the evening. They went to Roy’s and home early in the evening. Alda and Eldon left Roy’s later; and Edna and Roy came to see me a little while in the late evening. Before they came, Glenn and Alice and little ones took Shirley to Meadowvale, to her school. Nina was at the Y. P. S. and afterwards at the manse to a singsong. Olive and Edwin & Keith went to Mrs. Ross’, Olive’s father’s; Olive and Keith to spend a few days – Edwin came home.

Monday, September 21, 1942 – A wet day. Water is plentiful tonight. Alice did not wash today. No water in the a.m. & too wet in the p.m. I sewed at a crib quilt and knitted some. Winfred Patterson was painting at the mill. Morris and Glenn were not home to tea. I suppose that it was too rainy to work at the mill. Letters: Mrs. MacL. P. E. D. Had a letter from Mrs. Miller and one from P. E. I.

Tuesday, September 22, 1942 – A big freshet; as large, if not larger, than the one which was here “The time of the flood” in 1923 I believe, Oct. 1-2. Many bridges are destroyed; cattle, and probably sheep, drowned. They could not work at the mill on account of the high water. Alice washed & ironed. Only ten scholars attended school. Nina and I were at the mill watching the water &c. No mail from any quarter today.

Wednesday, September 23, 1942 – The water had fallen quite a lot this a.m. but there was rain falling off and on all day. And this evening it is raining quite hard. This has been a big flood of water. I do not think anyone remembered anything as bad as this as been. There are two men, Reuben MacCabe and another man named Lively, who had had a shack near the river, who have not been found. The shack is carried away, by the high water; and so far there is no trace of the men. It may be they have been carried away too. Olin Brown was here to dinner; he has not been here for a long time, when I was home. He looks older than he used to do, looks thinner. He was not here long. The school is small. Ten yesterday. Fifteen today. Tom was not in today. Richard Wood is here – was to tea; and he and Sidney and Jean are here this evening.

Thursday, September 24, 1942 – Quite fine, and not too warm. The water is abating, but the damage done to the country is many dollars, besides some lives we fear are lost. Two, we fear, are gone. Our men worked at the roof of the mill. I sewed and knitted most of the time; this is the third day in which we had not mail; and it is doubtful whether there will be any tomorrow.

Friday, September 25, 1942 – Some sunshine; but cloudy part time. Not very clear tonight. I shelled some beans for dinner – they were nice, for Alice made them taste good. Carrots, too, are good. After dinner, I went to the store; called to see Helen P. Miller, who keeps house for Mrs. F. B. Cox, and at the H. T. Fulton store; then went to Mrs. Edson Cox’s and spent the p.m., had tea, and spent the eve. with Mrs. Edson Cox, too. Shirley, Nina & Morris had been to choir practice and called for me, when they went home. I had a very nice time. We had a nice reading of poetic selections.

    Tho’ the cause of evil prosper, Yet ‘tis truth alone is strong,
    Tho’ her portion be the scaffold, and upon the Throne be wrong – 
    Yet the scaffold sways the future, and behind the dim unknown,
    Standeth God within the shadow, Keeping watch above His own.
           James Russell Lowell

Saturday, September 26, 1942 – A lovely fine day. Things are drying up and the roads are getting ready to be in traveling shape again. There are many bridges to be repaired, and damaged places in the roads mended. Was at Roy’s this a.m. Also at Mrs. Margeson’s. After dinner Glenn, Morris and Richard Wood took the truck and went to Truro to bring the household goods for Eva. They returned at tea time. After they went to Henry Cox’s and unloaded the load of household furnishings.

Sunday, September 27, 1942 – Sabbath. Cloudy this a.m. Rained about the time we returned from church and is a wet evening. Do not think there is any Y. P. S. C. E. We were all at church. Mr. Sproule preached a sermon from I John IIII Chapter, 20^th verse. If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar. It was a sermon on love, and the way to live with our neighbor, and with love to God. Was at Roy’s a while in the p.m. Roy and Sid were up to see some of the devastation wrought by the great fall of water which we have had. And Morris and Glenn were there or in the neighborhood too. Then Glenn and Alice went to Charles Peppard’s to see Jean who is home. They went home to tea.

Monday, September 28, 1942 – Drizzly and wet all day. Cool tonight. Alice washed but did not put the clothes out; they would not dry. Morris got Mr. Maynard to help him with his range this a.m. Then, after tea, Morris went to Truro to bring Eva here for a day or two. They, some men, were looking for the body of Mr. Lively, the young man who lost his life with Reuben MacCabe, in the flood, from the Logan Brook. I do not think they found anything. I wrote to F. J. B. and D. C. W. today.

Tuesday, September 29, 1942 – Quite fine. People washed their week’s washing, and Alice hung hers on the line. I guess it all dried. Alice, Glenn, Freda and Leslie went to Truro before dinner to get Leslie’s teeth out, eight of them. Nina was at Mrs. Sproule’s helping her: so Eva stayed with me, and did the work – getting dinner etc. After dinner we went to F. B. Cox’s, where we stayed a while; Eva putting away some of her belongings &c. Then we returned to our house, and Eva and Morris, after supper, went to F. B. Cox’s and did a few things. Then came back. Mrs. Margeson called a little while. I was in to see Roy and Edna a little while, then came home and, shortly, retired to bed.

Wednesday, September 30, 1942 – A very heavy frost this a.m. but the day was fine; tho’ there was a cool breeze. We ironed the clothes this a.m. Eva was at the house at F. B. Cox’s. Tom Fulton was home – to his own home, last night. After dinner, Alice and Eva went down to the house, and were there until half past two or three o’clock. Then came home. I was to see Olive & Keith a little while. Keith is so cute. The eczema on his cheek still persists. When I came home Jean Peppard came in with A. P. Fulton, and was here a short time. We wanted her to stay to tea, but she was anxious to get back. Eva and Morris had early tea, and left for Londonderry, to her home. We have had a nice time with Eva.

    “But listen, heart, the flower may lose its glory
                Beneath the blighting frost, but does not die;
     Read thou in it the dear, the old, old story
                Of Heaven’s bye and bye.
     There, if not here, the hopes that true hearts cherish,
                The flowers of human lives, we count as lost,
    Will live again – such beauty cannot perish – 
                For Heaven has no frost."

Thursday, October 1, 1942 – Dark and cloudy this a.m. but cleared off in the p.m., and was fine. The funeral of the late Everett B. Deyarmond was held at his home in Burnside, Upper Stewiacke, this p.m. Rev. W. Ross, minister of Springside & Burnside congregation, preached the funeral sermon. Mr. Deyarmond was buried in the Pembroke Cemetery. He leaves a widow, and grown up family to mourn the loss of a quiet, patient husband and father. Edna, Roy and I attended the funeral. Many of the relatives and friends of the family were present. We heard of Mrs. Bert Potter’s death in Mass., the former Elmira Deyarmond, aged 7(blank). When we came home Edna and I went to the Ladies’ Aid meeting at the hall. Mrs. C. B. Reynolds had Aid: and a Red Cross quilt was quilted, or tied. Ladies present were: Mrs. C. B. Reynolds, Mrs. W. Ross (Mrs. Reynolds’ mother), Mrs. H. T. Fulton, Misses Evelyn Ralston (teacher), Jennie Miller, Ella Schurman, (Mrs.) Roy Blaikie, Mrs. G. R. Deyarmond, Mrs. Alex Fulton, Mrs. Wm. MacMillan, Mrs. Frank L. Fulton, Mrs. D. M. Blaikie, Mrs. Edson Cox. Alice visited her mother this p.m. It is time to go to bed.

Friday, October 2, 1942 – Very foggy this a.m. Fine in the p.m. Chilly wind. Edna was in this a.m. I was at G. R. Deyarmond’s this p.m. Glenn brought me home. Mrs. Agnes Deyarmond was there. She is an old friend, over fifty years since we met in Burnside. She is G. R. Deyarmond’s mother. The body of Robie Lively has been found. He and Reuben MacCabe were drowned at the high water of the Logan Brook. We heard that he was lying in Harry Ellis’ field, where the water had gone, leaving the body behind, in a clump of bushes. It is said that his own father found him.

Saturday, October 3, 1942 – Foggy this a.m.; rained in the p.m., but not long. Damp and cloudy tonight. Winfred Patterson and Tupper O’Connell both here today. Tupper is cleaning out the cellar drain. He has not finished yet. I finished binding the woolen quilt, made by the Ladies’ Aid for the Red Cross work; and was in to see the Margesons after tea. Shirley taught school today to make up for the day she lost during the flood of water last week. Mrs. A. P. Fulton, Stewart and little Sylvia came home from Port Greville, where they had visited three weeks among Mrs. Fulton’s relatives and friends. Her husband met them in Truro.

Sunday, October 4, 1942 – Sabbath. A fine day. Cool wind this a.m. All of us were at church. Glenn & Shirley and some of the others went to Eastville to see some of the destruction wrought by the flood of Sept. 21-23. A lot of damage is done to property & 2 lives lost in that section. This is Morris’ last Sabbath at home. I trust he and Eva are very happy in their new one (D. V.)

Monday, October 5, 1942 – A little sunshine this a.m.; cloudy after that. Tupper O’Connell left today, in the p.m. He could not finish the cellar drain, having no earth to do so. Nina is sick with cold today. Ruth called, and Edna was in a few minutes. I wrote to J. W. B. Had letters from Flora Goodwin and D. C. Webster and J. W. Fulton. Morris is at a meeting of the S. S. teachers, at the manse.

Tuesday, October 6, 1942 – Dark, with a few showers; drizzling tonight, and the wind is high. Wrote to E. S. G. Miller. Was at Roy’s tonight a little while. Edwin has got a piece of sawdust in his eye, and it is very uncomfortable for him. I hope he gets it out soon. I shortened my brown dress this p.m. Had a nice letter from George; he is in Kingston, Ont., now. Morris is down at F. B. Cox’s tonight. Nina has not been well these two days.

Wednesday, October 7, 1942 – Some showers in the early morning, but the day was fine. Nina was up a while this p.m. and tonight. I finished a pair of little mittens, and began a pair for Morris. Mr. Sproule called tonight. Alice is going, or has gone, to the Evening Auxiliary at Mrs. C. B. Reynolds. Wrote to E. M. B.

Thursday, October 8, 1942 – A lovely fine day. Cool wind. Just did a few chores – a little washing, and knitted a little this a.m. In the p.m. Mrs. Alex Fulton called, and we went to the W. M. S., held at Mrs. Edson Cox’s. All the members were present except Mrs. E. Grant Cox, and Mrs. J. W. Benvie. This was our Thankoffering meeting. The offering amounted to $12.55. There is a reception at W. T. Nelson’s tonight for Edna, their daughter, who has been married lately. (blank) Badminton game begins tonight. Morris & Tom are there. Was in Mrs. Margeson’s today.

Friday, October 9, 1942 – A nice fine day. Morris and I started for Londonderry Station this afternoon. We stopped in Truro, as Morris had a few errands to do, and some looking over of his car, at the Blaikie garage: I found neither Aunt Bessie (Mrs. Chas. Blaikie), Mrs. D. Isnor, or Mrs. Harry Blaikie, at home; so, as Mrs. Harry Blaikie’s mother, Mrs. C. Fleming, was in bed at her place (Mrs. H. Blaikie’s) I went upstairs and stayed with her; she has the flu I think. Had a nice little time with her; then Morris called for me, and we drove to Mr. Ward Giddens’ home, arriving about six o’clock. They were very kind; I had not met any of them, except Eva Gray, their foster daughter, the one to whom Morris is engaged to be married: but Mr. and Mrs. Giddens and their teenage niece, Jean Smith, received us very kindly, and made me very welcome. Of course Morris knew them. I enjoyed every minute of the time.

Saturday, October 10, 1942 – The weather was ideal; and the scenery around the Giddens home was very lovely, in its autumn dress. The gorgeous coloring of the woods, on the hills and valleys, was so beautiful. It seemed to send peace and quiet happiness into one’s heart and mind. Mrs. Ralph Soley and Baby Paul had been brought to this home ere she had married, from Lower Economy by Mr. Soley, her husband, last night. He had returned to their home. Now they were preparing for the wedding, all was in readiness, and the guests were there shortly after three o’clock. Mr. and Mrs. Glenn Blaikie and Rev. and Mrs. J. K. MacInnis arrived last. Eva was given away by her foster father, Mr. Giddens. Mrs. Soley (nee Irene Giddens) was bridesmaid, and Mr. W. Glenn Blaikie was groomsman. Rev. J. K. MacInnis was the minister. After the marriage was over, a bounteous lunch was served; then there was a little social intercourse – taking of pictures etc. and the couple, Mr. and Mrs. David Morrison Blaikie, drove away on a short trip to Amherst and a few other points, returning Tuesday (D. V.) Then Glenn & Alice & Mr. & Mrs. J. K. MacInnis and I motored to Truro, where we left them at their home, picked up Mrs. A. L. Margeson, and returned home, where Shirley, Nina, Freda and Leslie awaited us. We had a fine view of some search lights coming home from Truro.

Sunday, October 11, 1942 – Sabbath. Looked cloudy this a.m., but was pretty fine – no rain. All except Glenn and Shirley were at church. The Thanksgiving sermon was from the words, “It is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord.” Mr. Sproule preached a good sermon; telling his people in plain words, of the good that comes into our hearts from thankful thoughts & words. Shirley and I were at Mrs. Henry Cox’s a short time in the p.m. The church was prettily adorned with maple leaves, flowers and fruit.

Monday, October 12, 1942 – Another fine day, cool, and a bit cloudy. Alice washed and dried the clothes & ironed most of them. I was at Mrs. G. R. Deyarmond’s; and at F. B. Cox’s store. Had a sleep after dinner. Nina was at the manse today. Sidney Cox & Winfred Patterson went hunting today.

Tuesday, October 13, 1942 – Another fine day, tho’ foggy this morn. Just knitted this a.m., also part of the p.m. In the afternoon, Morris and his bride arrived just after supper was over. They had had a very pleasant outing, and enjoyed it, but they were tired, and the ‘Serenade' was yet before them. Late in the evening, the weird sounds of merry makers began, and were kept up a short time, when Eva and Morris went out and greeted them, and invited them into the house, where they passed a half an hour or so in social conversation &c., then chocolate candy (mixture) was passed, also apples. Then the party was over, and all returned to their homes; Eva and Morris went to their cosy room at Mrs. Cox’s for their first night under their own roof. We hope for peace and happiness in this the beginning of their wedded life.

    We thank thee Lord, and not alone,
    for gold, or gladness, full success,
    For wealth that we have called our own,
    the faith, the love, the happiness;
    But for the sorrow and the smart
    the failure and the striving vain,
    The song we caroled in our heart
    when our poor lips were dumb with pain
    For all thy patience through the years –
    the years that come, the years that go,
    The patience with our faults and fears,
    Dear Lord we thank thee, kneeling low.
                    Canadian Poet, Jean Bluett

Wednesday, October 14, 1942 – Another fine day; frost in the morn. Edwin and Olive went to Truro; left Keith with Edna and Jean. He is such a good, sweet baby. Made no disturbance. I was in Roy’s in the p.m. Leonard Johnson is wiring the mill; is not done yet. Tom Fulton came back tonight – to go to work tomorrow. They are resuming work then. I washed my light crepe dress today. It shrunk badly. J. W. Benvie came home from the C. C. Hospital today.

Thursday, October 15, 1942 – Foggy for some time this morning but it turned to sunshine, and was a fine day. I did not do much this a.m.; in the p.m. I went and spent the afternoon with Eva; had a nice time. Freda was in a while. Alice was at Ethel’s. Eva said Mr. L. Johnson was there to dinner, their first guest to be with them for a meal. Wrote to F. J. B. and N. A. A. today.

Friday, October 16, 1942 – Quite fine with cold wind. A lovely starlight night. I sewed this forenoon; the quilt is ready for the frames now. In the p.m. II was at Edna’s an hour or two after dinner. Then I was to the F. B. Cox store. Came up with Mrs. Martin S. Fulton. Eva was up a little while, and Shirley and I went back with her. Now it is time to retire; and I better stop writing for tonight. Sent a letter to Mrs. W. G. and received one from Mrs. Percy Goodwin, and one from Edith, her daughter, who teaches in Mill Village, Hants Co.

    Bu I know that whatever of sorrow, or pain or temptation befall,
    The infinite Master has suffered, and knoweth and pitieth all.
    So tell me the sweet old story that falls on each wound like balm,
    And my heart that was bruised and broken, shall grow patient and strong and calm.

Saturday, October 17, 1942 – Another beautifully fine day with cold wind. I sewed – lengthened my dress that shrunk so when I washed it. Alice ironed it, when it was quite wet, and that helped it some; and I took the hem out and made it narrower. (Blank) Kennedy, Arthur Kennedy’s son, was on the truck with Glenn today; they saw Percy Goodwin; he is to go to Harvey Station to be milk tester there, on Monday a.m. (D. V.) Flora is coming from the V. G. Hospital ere long; Percy’s wife, I mean, if she improves. In the p.m. I was in Olive’s a while, Freda was with me – and then she went home, and I went to Mrs. Margeson’s. She is papering and painting. I was knitting. Then I came home, and ate by tea, and now I am writing up in my room.

Sunday, October 18, 1942 – Sabbath. Dark and cloudy, with a chilly wind. All of us were at church today except Glenn; he was over to see Tom Foster, who is building a little dwelling, and smashing shed on the corner of W. P. Creelman’s field, by the place where the road turns up the rover, and another road goes straight across the intervale, by W. P. Creelman’s. The sermon which Mr. Sproule preached was from the words, “Speak until the children of Israel, that they go forward.” It was in the interest of the War Loan. There was a congregation of 113 present. In the p.m. Morris and Eva were to see Mr. and Mrs. Margeson, and they stopped here to tea. Then, when Shirley and Nina went to Y. P. S. C. E., they went home, as it was beginning to rain. This is Edna’s birthday. I had a little present for her, and forgot to take it to her.

Monday, October 19, 1942 – A wet day; it did not rain steadily all day, but was wet in showers. Alice washed & ironed some of her clothes. I brought in the starched ones of mine; the others, and some of Alice’s are on the line tonight. I put in a quilt – just to cover – today. It is in my room; I hope I can get it out soon, as it is not very convenient in the bedroom. Was in Roy’s. Eva was in a little while this p.m. Glenn is not home yet. Nina went to Badminton. The Truro News came today. Some part of the machinery had to be repaired, so the paper was not printed in time for last week’s number.

Tuesday, October 20, 1942 – It was cloudy this a.m., but turned to a fine day; tho’ the wind was chilly. We ironed the clothes today. I had not many to iron. Morris’ are not in the wash now. I quilted quite steadily. I think I will get the quilt out of the frames tomorrow (D. V.) Roy and Glenn brought the shingle machine from The Gore, Hants Co. today. Nina was working at the manse this p.m.

Wednesday, October 21, 1942 – Clouds and sunshine. I quilted this a.m. and got the quilt out of the frames in the p.m. and took the Red Cross quilt to Ethel Deyarmond; I had bound it after it was quilted in the hall. Was in to see Eva on my way down; called on Ethel a little while; and at F. B. Cox’s store. We had tea, and Alice, Shirley and Nina had planned to go to a shower for Eva and Morris. Shirley walked in from Meadowvale to go & so they went sometime after eight o’clock. Had a letter from F. J. B. today.

Thursday, October 22, 1942 – Dark, with showers of rain, most of the day. I just did some little jobs this a.m. Scoured some mittens &c. Was at Roy’s a little while in the p.m. In the afternoon Edwin and Olive and little Keith took Edna and me to Ladies’ Aid at J. D. Cox’s. They had a nice Aid. Ladies present were Mrs. J. D. Cox (hostess), Mrs. Edson Cox, Mrs. Martha Ross, Mrs. Clyde Reynolds, Mrs. W. D. Kennedy, Mrs. J. M. Sproule, Mrs. H. T. Fulton, Misses Jennie Miller, Ella Schurman, Evelyn Ralston, Mrs. G. R. Deyarmond, Mrs. Roy Blaikie, Mrs. Wm. MacMillan & myself. It was a pleasant meeting. Edwin came for us; it was raining quite hard. Roy and Glenn went to Oxford.

Friday, October 23, 1942 – A fine day. I put a crib quilt in the frames this a.m., and just tied it – did not quilt it. Got it out of the frames before tea time. Was in to see Morris and Eva just after dinner. It is nice to go to see them. Morris had to go to his work, so I did not see him long; and, as I wished to get home to quilt, I did not remain many minutes. Shirley got home; her father went for her; Nina was helping at the manse.

Saturday, October 24, 1942 – Pretty warm tho’ cloudy. I just did little things this p.m.  After dinner I read the “Truro News” a while; then called on Roy’s folk and Olive, Keith and Jean, who was at Olive’s for an hour or so, then in to see Mr. and Mrs. Margeson until nearly six, then came home. After tea I read a little, talked to Nina some, came upstairs, took a bath, and am writing in this journal. Mr. and Mrs. A. P. Fulton came home from their visit at N. R. Mrs. A. P. Fulton went to Truro for treatment for her ear.

    Fields faded are, where harvest waved,
    Or scent from clover came;
    The maple leaves make death seem fair,
    When trees stand in a flame,
                ashes of summer.
                    by Rev. A. L. Fraser

Sunday, October 25, 1942 – Sabbath. A wet, drizzly, and showery day & eve. It was Rally Day, and the Meadowvale S. School was in here; the subject was “Looking unto Jesus.: And it is such an encouraging thought. If we will only look unto Him, in our daily life; look up to him; take Him for our Guide and Helper under all circumstances: and life will be stronger and happier. The address by Mr. Sproule was on these lines. Alice, Glenn and I drove up to J. W. Benvie’s in the p.m. and they insisted on our staying to tea. Grant, Lilian, Margaret, Phyllis, Water and Elizabeth are home. Two are married, Gussie & Edward, Jimmie is in the Army, but ill in Debert Hospital – recovering from an attack of rheumatic fever. Irene is clerking in a store in Truro; Irna is a nurse in a hospital in Wolfville. It is a nice family, and they are very musical young folks. We returned home after tea, and spent the evening at home; it is a wet night. Wrote to E. M. B.

Monday, October 26, 1942 – Pretty wet, some water over the intervale. Alice washed the clothes but did not put them to dry. I mended, and read some. Morris was up a few minutes tonight. It is nice he is so near. Eva is so nice too. We all like her. They are going to Badminton tonight.

Tuesday, October 27, 1942 – Dark, with some heavy showers. A lovely rainbow was in the sky tonight, after tea. Alice cleaned my bedroom, and Tom’s today. In the p.m. I was at Morris’ and Eva’s; stayed to tea, and they brought me home, as they purposed going to see Miss Lieuanae Pratt and her father. I hope they got along all right, no water to bother them &c. (blank)

Wednesday, October 28, 1942 – A very nice fine day. Chilly wind. Just mended socks &c. today in the a.m. Mrs. Thomas Davidson, nee Janet L. Gammell, was burned in the Riverside Cemetery this p.m. Rev. J. M. Sproule and Rev. D. C. MacKenzie of Upper Stewiacke, and Upper Musquodoboit were both in attendance. Mrs. Ward Giddens and her daughter-in-law, Mrs. Arnold C. Giddens, visited at the home of Mr. & Mrs. D. Morrison Blaikie today.

Thursday, October 29, 1942 – Heavy frost last night. Fine today tho’. Did a little washing & ironing this a.m. In the p.m. I went to Eva’s, and, when we got ready, Eva and I went to the P. O.; she got her errand done, and we talked with Mr. and Mrs. J. D. Cox – had a nice time. Then we went to the Sproule’s; Mrs. Sproule was out, but we waited until she returned, and enjoyed ourselves then, and with Mr. Sproule and  Roby, Amy Barrett, and Eric and Paul or Robert. Stayed with Mrs. Edson Cox a little while, and came to Eva’s, where she got a nice supper; then Morris and I walked to the house here; left me, and went to the mill to do some duties there. I looked at Alice’s blinds, talked a few minutes and came upstairs. Sent a letter to F. J. B.

Friday, October 30, 1942 – Fine day with cold wind. Mended socks most of the day. Freda & I were in Olive’s. The Y. L. C. are sponsoring a dance at the hall tonight. None of this house except Nina, and probably Shirley, are there.

Saturday, October 31, 1942 – Another fine day. Mrs. Alex Fulton’s brother, Mr. Adam Dean, Upper Musquodoboit, is very ill, and she was asked, by the telephone, to go to see him, this p.m. So Tom Fulton, her son, got relieved from the mill work for the p.m. and took his mother to Upr. Musq. The mill men were all given the p.m. off. Mr. & Mrs. Edwin Blaikie and little Keith went to visit Mrs. W. Dean, Mrs. Blaikie’s sister, at Upr. Musq. Mr. & Mrs. Roy Blaikie went to Mid. Musq. to see Mr. & Mrs. John Grant, others went hunting; Mr. & Mrs. Morris Blaikie & Shirley went to Londonderry &c.

Sunday, November 1, 1942 – Sabbath. Wet and rainy. The wind is high tonight. It is warm and cosy tonight in my bed-sitting room. Ruth was up a little while. It is nice to have them come to see me – once in a while. Perhaps Roy will not be up tonight, it is so stormy and windy. (Roy & Edna, Morris & Eva, were in to see me after I went to bed.) I always enjoy these little visits. I guess Eva, Shirley and Morris had a nice visit to Londonderry.

    If all of life were sunshine
    Our faces would be fain
    To feel, once more, upon them
    The cooling plash of rain
            Henry Van Dyke

Monday, November 2, 1942 – Very rainy last night; there is quite a freshet; but this was a nice day. The clothes washed and dried fine. And the wind was not as cold as usual. I just knitted and darned socks & mittens this a.m. In the p.m. I picked up a few apples which were yet on the ground, and peeled and stewed them; I just thought I might never have a chance to do it again: but it was nice to do it today. Leslie’s 8^th birthday. Nina went last night to F. B. Cox’s; she began work today. School began taking in at 9.30 this a.m.

Tuesday, November 3, 1942 – Quite fine, warm for November. Was in Henry Cox’s; saw Nina and Eva. Eva walked to Pearson’s lane with me; then went home. I started home about 4:30 p.m. Eva met me again and came home with me. I had a nice time with the folks at Pearson’s. Had not been there for some time.

Wednesday, November 4, 1942 – Rained in the night. Also some today, but is colder tonight, and not raining. Tom Fulton took his mother to Truro this a.m. and her finger was so sore or bad that they took her to the hospital, where she must stay for a few days. They have no one at home – no help I mean in the house, except Madeline and Barbara. Glenn took Shirley and some of the other teachers to Truro to attend the Teachers’ Institute.

Thursday, November 5, 1942 – A nice fine day, but cool wind. I was to see Eva and Nina this a.m. They are busy preparing for the thresher. Mr. Cox is having his grain threshed. I had a nice walk and a very pleasant call. In the p.m. I was at Roy’s; then went to Ladies’ Aid at Mrs. G. R. Deyarmond’s. The ladies who attended were Mrs. Lester B. Deyarmond, Mrs. Roy Blaikie, Mrs. A. L. Margeson, Mrs. H. T. Fulton, Mrs. S. H, Hickman, Mrs. Edson Cox, Mrs. J. D. Cox, Mrs. C. B. Reynolds, and her mother Martha Ross, Mrs. F. L. Fulton and myself. C. P. MacMillan died in the C. C. Hospital today, aged 78 years, 6 months.

Friday, November 6, 1942 – Dark with some slight showers: cold wind. Was in Roy’s this a.m. Glenn, Alice, Freda, Leslie & Mrs. G. R. Deyarmond were to Truro this p.m. Alice got a tooth out, Freda got hers looked over. Shirley came back with them; they got home just at tea time. Eva had spent the p.m. with me. Mrs. Margeson called to see us. Morris came to tea too. They went home early. Had letters from F. J. BV. and M. P. R. Sent one to Bill, Gunner W. H. Wallace.

Saturday, November 7, 1942 – A fine sunny day, but chilly wind. I sewed at the crib quilt today – and finished it in the evening: and read to Freda – Elsie’s Girlhood, a book she got in Truro, on Friday – yesterday. I wrote to E. M. B. but addressed the letter to F. J. B. The funeral of the late Charles P. MacMillan was held in the church this p.m. and 2 o’clock. The sermon was preached from Isaiah. The funeral arrangements were directed by Mr. S. Mattatall of Truro. Alice, Glenn, Nina and I were at the funeral. Tom Fulton went home afterwards. The pall bearers were Earle Kennedy, Will Cox, Roy Blaikie, Gordon Miller, W. D. Kennedy, Frank L. Fulton. Glenn drove the mourners. Shirley was at Morris & Eva’s to tea.

Sunday, November 8, 1942 – Sabbath. A nice day. All of us at church. Rev. Mr. Sproule preached about Moses, his faith and meekness. One of the strong characters of the Old Testament. Yet he was not permitted to enter the Promised Land on account of his trespass at Meribah-Kadesh. We had a number of callers – our ain folk – Edna, Alda and Thelma; Morris and Eva; and late in the evening – Roy. He is always expected Sabbath eve. if he is home.

Monday, November 9, 1942 – A good day to get the clothes dried. I sewed, and got my few clothes ironed. Winnie Patterson was on the truck with Glenn. Olive and little Keith were in a little while; also Eva. It is nice to see them. There is a dance and a celebration to be held at Frank L. Fulton’s tonight. Their friends are commemorating the 35^th anniversary of their wedding. I wrote to Aunt Jessie; and had a letter from Vivian.

Tuesday, November 10, 1942 – Some sunshine, some clouds, windy. Just mended, and sewed at the binding of a quilt. After dinner I went to the mill to see a deer that Sidney Cox shot over the hill, in G. R. Deyarmond’s field or H. P. Cox’s. It was quite fat and had twelve points. Evan Blaikie, Morris’ wife, was there too. After I came back, I resumed my work, and worked at it until about supper time. Mrs. G. R. Deyarmond had a breast operation this p.m., at the C. C. Hospital, Truro.

Wednesday, November 11, 1942 – Very rainy this a.m., not very fine, but not much, if any rain in the p.m. Leonard Johnson is fixing some things about the electric lights in the house, and was here to dinner. We like to have a visit from him. Alice went to Y. L. C. Shirley and (blank) were home; but Glenn took her back to her school in the eve. Eva was at Y. L. Club at Mrs. Herman Johnson’s too. Morris had tea with us; he milked the cows afterward.

Thursday, November 12, 1942 – Quite chilly; some sun; some clouds. The W. M. S. assisted by other ladies quilted two quilts in the hall; we had the Missionary meeting too. Had a nice meeting. Mrs. G. R. Deyarmond is doing as well as can be expected I believe; she came through the operation; I think she did not have it until yesterday a.m.

Friday, November 13, 1942 – Dark; raining tonight. Intended going to Mrs. Lester Deyarmond’s this p.m., but it looked like rain, so I did not go. Alice called at Eva’s this p.m. & saw Nina a minute or two. Glenn & Winnie are not home yet. Mrs. Arnold Wood called this p.m. and made me a pleasant call, but could not stay to tea. Alda was at her father’s, but went home ere tea time.

Saturday, November 14, 1942 – Cold wind, but quite a nice day. This a.m. Edna brought the quilt – one of the Missionary quilts – for me to bind; I did not do it today. Went to see Mrs. Bessie MacDonald & her sister Mrs. Dora Deyarmond at Mrs. Lester Deyarmond’s; was there to dinner; then came home, sewed a little while, write a letter to F. J. B. and am now abed. Mrs. Margeson called a little while. Alice called at Olive’s.

Sunday, November 15, 1942 – Sabbath. Cloudy, with cold wind. Shirley and her father were home from church; they heard a sermon on the radio, which they enjoyed very much; but the one preached by Mr. Sproule, our own minister, was full of good counsel, too: it told of the life of Joshua; his courage, devotion and decision, I think those three qualities were all which were mentioned. In the p.m. Alice and Glenn and Mrs. W. D. Kennedy were to see Mrs. Joseph Day, who is not very well. Eva, Morris and I were to see Mr. and Mrs. J. W. Benvie and family – those whoa re home. The eldest, Gussie, Mrs. Donald Burnett & Mr. Burnett, were home for the p.m. J. W. Benvie is in fine spirits; all hope for much improvement as time goes on. Roy and Edna were to see me tonight.

Monday, November 16, 1942 – Cloudy with short snow squalls. Alice washed, but did not put the clothes on the line; they did not dry. I was in Roy’s an hr. Eva Blaikie was in a minute this a.m. Wrote to F. J. B. and H. L. B. Tomorrow is Harry’s 45^th birthday. It would be nice to see him, but it is not very easy for him to come to see me, and I do not expect to see him often. Had a letter from Stanley F. Abrahamson.

Tuesday, November 17, 1942 – A lovely day. Quite warm and no win; but the clothes did not dry. Putnam Fulton went to Truro to bring his wife home; she has been taking treatment for her ear. This is Harry L. Blaikie’s birthday – 45 yrs. After dinner Mrs. J. W. MacDonald called, and we went to Mrs. George Bentley’s to tea. Had a nice afternoon; Mrs. Bentley came to the store, and so we had company home.

Wednesday, November 18, 1942 – Foggy, with showers of rain – not cold. Edna and I bound the Missionary quilt, and I suppose Edna would take it and some mittens &c. to Mrs. Edson Cox’s tonight, as the box is to be sent tomorrow – to Truro. I do not know much to write. Had a note from Mrs. Bessie MacDonald. Mrs. Alex Fulton made a call this p.m.

Thursday, November 19, 1942 – Dark and cloudy; Was at Mr. & Mrs. D. Morris Blaikie’s to dinner and Morris took me to Mrs. Arnold Woods’ to spend the p.m. Eva (Mrs. Morris Blaikie) came later, and we had tea: Mr. Wood came, also Dickie, the son, and Herman Deyarmond. They played cards, and Mrs. Wood (Annie) and I played Chinese checkers. After a while we came home, having spent a pleasant afternoon and evening.

Friday, November 20, 1942 – Dark, a little rain about tea time. Sewed a little this a.m. Called at Mrs. Roy Blaikie’s and made a lengthy call at Olive’s (Mrs. Edwin Blaikie’s)/ Keith is a sweet baby. Mrs. G. R. Deyarmond came from the hospital this p.m. We hope she gets o.k. ere long.

Saturday, November 21, 1942 – Cloudy, with cold wind. Was at Mrs. Martin S. Fulton’s a little while this a.m. Had a nice call and came down with Mr. Fulton when he went with the mail. They have finished sawing for a while, and most of the men will be away. Fred Fulton has been plowing since Wednesday. I think he began Thursday. Alice was at her mother’s today. In the p.m. Eva Blaikie and Miss Evelyn Ralston were here a little while, and Shirley went with them to Eva’s to tea; Tom Fulton and Morris were hunting, and got nothing. Wrote to Stanley Abrahamson, “Somewhere in England,” today.

Sunday, November 22, 1942 – Sabbath. Cold wind, just a November day, with a little sunshine, and quite a few clouds. We all attended church; the sermon was about Peter and his thrice denying that he knew Jesus, a Peter very much like people of today – who sin, and repent; And Jesus is the same Saviour as He always was. I had dinner with Eva and Morris, and they took me to South Branch, where we had the Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper, in memory of Jesus’ death on the Cross, to redeem all of us from our sins, and make a home for us all in Heaven. Mr. Sproule preached on Peter’s repentance and restoration to Jesus. We three, Eva, Morris and I, also Mr. & Mrs. Lloyd Anthony & Margaret Nelson, who teaches school at Otter Brook and boards with them, and Mrs. Gordon Dean (nee Mary E. Nelson) & Lena Nelson, who goes to Business College, Truro, and boards with Mary, were at the Nelson home to tea. We got home quite early; Glenn, Alice and the little ones took Shirley to Meadowvale. Evan Sutherland was killed in an airplane accident last week. He leaves a wife, Gwendolyn (Carter) Sutherland.

Monday, November 23, 1942 – Cold but a fine a.m.: cloudy p.m. There is a surprise party at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Wilfred Pearson tonight. I was at F. B. Cox’s store, and in to see Eva this a.m. Alice washed, and was to the village in the p.m.

Tuesday, November 24, 1942 – A lovely fine day: cold at night. Eva, Morris & I took a trip to Stewiacke East, Wittenburg, Chaswood, Brookfield, and Eva & Morris were into Truro a short time. We saw Dot Webster (my sister), Mr. John Fulton, and Doris Peterson at Walter Webster’s; but not Walter himself. Just saw Bertha at Chaswood, John Webster was not home. I had tea with Alda, Eldon & Thelma; had a nice visit – with all. Had dinner at sister Dot’s. We were home early in the p.m. Eva & Morris having had a little visit with Alda & Eldon Brenton, after coming from Truro.

Wednesday, November 25, 1942 – Another nice day – for November. Alice cleaned the kitchen yesterday while most of us were away: only she & Freda & Leslie home. Roy, Glenn & Edwin were to Oxford for the shingle machine today. Morris & Eva out to Mr. Alex Fulton’s in the p.m. I was in Roy’s this a.m. and to Mr. Margeson’s in the p.m. Mrs. W. M. Brenton called while I was at Mr. Margeson’s; was sorry to have missed seeing her.

Thursday, November 26, 1942 – Quite a moderate day, but sort of chilly wind. I knitted and patched today; read a story or two to Leslie from his Children’s Story book; and some chapters of Ingleside – Rilla of Ingleside, I mean, to Freda. Alice was in to see Nina &c. this p.m. Eva, to Truro with Love Cox. Was not at any of the any of the neighbors today.

Friday, November 27, 1942 – Mild and nice today. We have a nice autumn. I just knitted this a.m. In the p.m. Mrs. Alex Fulton and I went for a walk around the village. We called at Mrs. Lynds – Mrs. Clyde Watson was making a call there, too. Mrs. Lynds is very lonely without Mr. Chas. MacMillan and the house seems changed – yet it is not. Milton MacMillan, his brother, who has been boarding there for years, keeps the service station, and is boarding there yet. Mrs. Alex Fulton & I were in the Fulton Store, and post office; and Barbara Fulton, Mrs. Alex’s granddaughter, was sick in school, so they telephoned her father, and he came for her, and Mrs. Alex went home too. So Freda and I called at Mrs. G. R. Deyarmond’s and at Mrs. Morris Blaikie’s; Eva, (Mrs. Morris Blaikie) came home with us, but returned in a short time. Shirley got a drive home with Gordon Miller (Village); so Glenn did not have to go for her tonight. (Got a bottle of Quink ink, Nov. 27, 1942)

    “Would we feel that day was bright,
     If we’d never known what it was to grieve,
     Nor gazed on the dark of night.”

Saturday, November 28, 1942 – A very stormy, windy day. Rain in the a.m. & it turned to snow, which continued all day. Morris came up with Mr. Campbell, the blind piano and organ fixer; he did not fix our organ, as it had to have gluing done on the treadles, and it was not convenient to take the parts into town now. Glenn took Mr. Campbell back to the hall, or to Morris’s. I do not know whether Eva and Morris took him home to Truro, tonight or not. They will, perhaps, stay all night,, if they did, as it is such a rough night. I was not outdoors today. Read to Freda and knitted &c.

Sunday, November 29, 1942 – Pretty fine. Soft under the snow. All of us at church, except me. Heard a sermon on the radio; preached by Rev. G. Rogers, Ft. Massey Church. Tom Fulton here to dinner. Eva & Morris here at night. Also Roy a little later. Alice was at Mrs. Margeson’s a little while. Alda, Thelma & Eldon at Roy’s. Eva & Morris took Mr. Campbell to Truro last night; came home; had a rough time.

Monday, November 30, 1942 – Snowed a little more in the night. Not a very fine wash day; Alice washed, but did not put nearly all the wash on the line. I just knitted and mended some and tidied up the bureau drawers a little. Was to Mr. Margeson’s 2 hrs. approx. There is a card party, sponsored by the W. I., at the hall tonight. Glenn went, and Winfred Patterson too, I guess. Cars, wagons, sleighs, sleds all out on the road.

Tuesday, December 1, 1942 – Quite a fine day – the clothes dried on the line pretty well. I knitted some and pasted cards into scrap books. Jean B. Cox came up for a little visit. Had a parcel and letter from F. J. B.; both were so thoughtful. Freda & I area reading “Rilla of Ingleside”; it is very interesting. Cannot think of much tonight.

Wednesday, December 2, 1942 – Rained this a.m., and has developed into a rainy and windy, very rough storm. It will get dark early. Do not know much of what is going on at the mill. No doubt they are working at setting up the shingle machine if they can do so, in spite of the storm.

Thursday, December 3, 1942 – Quite fine this a.m. A squall in the p.m. Was in Roy’s this a.m. Roy took Mrs. Wm. Miller (Village), Mrs. Alex Fulton, Mrs. G. R. Deyarmond, Edna and I to Mrs. Frank L. Fulton’s to Ladies’ Aid. We quilted a Red Cross quilt. Besides the four ladies that Roy took, there were Mrs. J. D. Cox, Misses Jennie Miller, Ella Schurman & Evelyn Ralston, clerks and teacher, Mrs. Sproule, Mrs. John H. Fulton & little Franklin, & Mrs. C. B. Reynolds.

Friday, December 4, 1942 – Cold wind, but not frosty. Ground partly frozen. Mr. & Mrs. Roy Blaikie, Mr. & Mrs. Morris Blaikie and Mr. and Mrs. Edwin Blaikie, & Mrs. F. B. Cox went with Evan and Morris. There are about 8 inches of snow in Truro. Glenn Blaikie & Winfred Patterson went two trips to Truro with lumber for J. Fleming. Alice was at the stores, and G. R. Deyarmond’s in the p.m. and I was at Mr. Margeson’s; Mrs. Margeson is ill in bed. I knitted and mended sock feet.

Saturday, December 5, 1942 – A cold windy day, but not much frost. I went to the stores, with Winfred Patterson & Glenn, when they took their truck load of lumber to Truro this a.m.; then walked to Eva’s after making my purchases; and had dinner with Eva and Morris; came home, did a little knitting &c. & went to see the Margesons; Alice had been there twice in the a.m. Mrs. M. is about the same. All as usual Saturday night. Tom Fulton was here tonight.

    Tech. Stanley F. Abrahamson, 31050365
    Company B
    809^th Engineer Battalion, Avn,
    A. P. O. 875 c/o Postmaster, New York, N. Y.

Sunday, December 6, 1942 – Sabbath. Rather cold; not stormy. No church service here, as Rev. J. M. Sproule preached in Middle Musquodoboit. Eva & Morris had tea with us. There was Y. P. S. in the evening. Mr. & Mrs. Eldon Brenton and Thelma Blaikie were spending the weekend at Roy’s. Edna and Roy were up here in the late evening.

Monday, December 7, 1942 – Fine and cold. Glenn and I were to Truro; I was getting checked up in regard to health; Dr. J. B. Reid found me not too bad. We, Glenn & I, were at Chas. Blaikie’s. (Glenn) and I dined at Harry’s. Were home to tea. Mrs. G. R. Deyarmond went to Mid. Stewiacke with us. Alice washed; clothes dried. She was in Mr. Margeson’s. Mrs. M. is sick.

Tuesday, December 8, 1942 – Another cold, windy, fine day. Glenn and Winfred Patterson hauling logs that Tom Fulton & the Messrs. Wood are chopping on the Weir lot. Mrs. Alex Fulton & I were at F. B. Cox’s store, and called to see Eva (Mrs. Morris Blaikie) and at Mr. Margeson’s and I was at Mrs. Edwin Blaikie’s. Nina has a bad cold and is home for a few days. Wrote to F. J. B. Dec. 7.

Wednesday, December 9, 1942 – Another nice day; especially in the morning. Was in Mr. Margeson’s and Edwin’s this a.m. Mrs. A. P. Fulton & wee Sylvia were here this p.m. Mr. Fulton is to come for them tonight (D. V.) Had a letter from Signalman G. M. Blaikie, R. C. Signals, F.65686, Kingston, Ont.

Thursday, December 10, 1942 – Another nice fine day. White frost this morn. Was in Edna’s and Mr. Margeson’s this a.m. In the p.m. Roy drove Edna and me to Mrs. J. D. Cox’s where the Auxiliary of the W. M. S. held its last meeting of the year 1942. Nine members were present. The officers for next year were re-elected from this last year. I stayed at Eva & Morris’s to tea, and Morris came home with me. Winnie Patterson & Glenn B. have been late getting home from Truro, whither they went to get the truck fixed.

Friday-Saturday, December 11-12, 1942 – Yesterday fine; today cloudy; fine snow falling, but not cold. Mr. & Mrs. E. Grant Cox had a dance, or housewarming, in their new house Dec. 11, evening. None of us were there except Nina. Guess they had a pleasant time. Good host and hostess. Was in Roy’s. Freda & Leslie were to Mrs. A. P. Fulton’s this p.m. with Madeline and Barbara. Was in Morris’ this a.m. Saw Nina (at Mrs. Cox’s) and had a pleasant call with Eva. Shirley & Freda were in, too, & at Mrs. G. R. D.’s a minute. Shirley, as usual, had her tea at Eva’s. Glenn & Winnie P. hauled Wier lot logs.

Sunday, December 13, 1942 – Sabbath. Not cold: a little fog in the air. A skiff of snow on the ground. Alice and Freda home from church. Rev. Mr. Sproule preached on Jeremiah – his courage, his compassion & his faith. Was at Morris’ to dinner. Had a pleasant time; Morris came home with me. Harry & Nellie and Lee were here a short time from Truro; & Alda, Thelma & Eldon were at Roy’s with them all there to tea. Roy was not up to see us tonight.

Monday, December 14, 1942 – Not much sun. Some light snow fell. Alice kept her wash indoors. Was pasting cards into a scrap book, knitting & reading. Thomas Fulton was back to work today. Had 4 Christmas cards.

Tuesday, December 15, 1942 – Fine snow falling at intervals and some sunshine. Alice wash got pretty dry & she ironed; and she was at the store & P. O. I was in F. B. Cox’s & Eva’s a little while. I knitted & read some. Glenn & Tom Fulton are at Morris’ tonight. Wrote to E. M. B.

Wednesday, December 16, 1942 – A snowy day; just fine snow. Glenn and Winnie were hauling logs today. I ironed my few bits of clothes this a.m. Had a letter from F. J. B. Eva was in a little while this p.m. We were glad to see her. The Christmas mail is coming now; cards & letters – some every day. Olive was in a minute, but I was upstairs & she was only just in and out again. Freda was home with a sore throat today. She was not well enough to go to school, and the weather was stormy.

Thursday, December 17, 1942 – Very cold. Was in Edna’s and Mrs. Margeson’s this a.m. Alice was to see Eva, a little while in the p.m. Glenn & Winfred to Stewiacke. Leslie and Freda are not well at all; cold & stomach disorder.

Friday-Saturday, December 18-19, 1942 – Another fine, cold day; tonight (Friday) is cold. Glenn and Winnie late getting home. Just a common day. Alice was busy knitting at Leslie’s sweater. Roy went to Meadowvale for Shirley (Saturday). Glenn, Shirley, Alice and Nina were up, the two latter until after 2 a.m. & Glenn & Shirley until 5:30; a very cold Saturday night.

Sunday, December 20, 1942 – Sabbath. Cold, but moderated some. They had the candle light service in the church tonight. Leslie and I were home. Morris was up a little while this p.m. Shirley, Glenn, Freda & Leslie & I were not at church. Glenn & Edwin took Shirley as far as the middle of the intervale on her way to Meadowvale, and could not go any farther with the truck, as there was a truck stuck there: so the three of them walked to Mrs. Percy Johnson’s, carrying Shirley’s luggage. Have some cold, as the others have – some of them.

Monday, December 21, 1942 – Another cold day; Glenn carried water, and Alice washed in the p.m. They had a hard time getting the car and truck started; Glenn and Mr. Sproule went to Shirley’s Christmas tree & entertainment at the Meadowvale School house tonight. Tom went to Badminton. Olive was in a few minutes this p.m. Roy was in this evening. His back is sore; is not quite so sore tonight as it was last night.

Tuesday, December 22, 1942 – Cold; some wind, too. Glenn went to Musquodoboit to motor Mr. & Mrs. Raymond Webber home, they having been wedded at 2:30. Eva was up a little while this p.m. We are always glad to see her. We have some colds.

Wednesday, December 23, 1942 – Mild, and fine: a nice day. Was to see Edna, Jean & Ruth, Olive and dear little Keith this a.m.; and just before tea went to see Mr. & Mrs. Margeson. Both were cheery, tho’ lonely. They all went to the Christmas entertainment except myself. Had a Christmas card from Margaret Blaikie (Mrs. Foster B.) & a little note telling of the marriage of their daughter Marion, to Ernest Reyer of Miami, on Nov. 20^th, 1942. They live right hear Marion’s home.

Thursday, December 24, 1942 – Another fine day. Was in Morris’ today. Shirley has cold in her face. It is Christmas Eve; how thankful we should be for all our mercies, and luxuries – or should we for the latter? May we see ways to share things more and more. Glenn is away to Truro for some people whose car got stuck & could not get it started. Mr. and Mrs. Raymond Webber were serenaded tonight. (Blank) Mr. Sedley MacKenzie of Greenfield was so seriously injured, while butchering a pig, that he died in a few hours.

Friday, December 25, 1942 – Quite mild, tho’ no sunshine, or very little; but a mist or fog showed on the hills. Glenn took Mr. and Mrs. Margeson to Eastville to see Mrs. Margeson’s mother, Mrs. Julia MacCoul, who lives with her youngest son, John and his wife & family. Mrs. Hamilton and Wilmer, Alice’s, Glenn’s wife’s, mother and brother were here to dinner; I was at Eva’s and Morris’ to dinner. No one of my own family except Glenn dined in the old home. All have good homes of their own, and are comfortable: except for Roy and Glenn, having rheumatism in Roy’s back, and Glenn is afflicted in his shoulders and arms. In the p.m. Morris, Eva and I were over to Wilfred Pearson’s to see them and Mrs. Annie Miller, and Mrs. Pearson Senior. We had a nice call – not long and the brought me home: Thomas Fulton had tea with them; and then came here for the night. We all had breakfast together; had family worship; then received our presents “from the Christmas tree”. Such a nice lot; so much for which to be thankful. Then the pleasant visits – was home in time to talk with Mrs. Hamilton, and I always like a talk with her. Then, in the evening, Mr. and Mrs. Sproule, our minister and wife, were here; and we always enjoy having them; they are good company. Our Christmas was a very, very nice one – so softly happy, it seemed to me.

Saturday, December 26, 1942 – Quite a lot like yesterday. Morris, Eva and Tom Fulton set out for Truro; and Eva and Morris expected to go to Londonderry to bring a cousin, Little Jean Smith, to Upper Stewiacke to make a little visit. We had a quiet day: was in to see Mr. and Mrs. Margeson this p.m. We had a nice little talk. Nina went to Truro, too.

Sunday, December 27, 1942 – Sabbath. A cold wind, but not frosty. Good sleighing. Shirley, Nina, Freda and I were at church from here. Mr. Sproule preached a good sermon, but I forget it. Morris & Eva and little Jean Smith were in in the p.m. Also Mrs. G. R. Deyarmond; and Mr. Margeson was in a half hour or so. Glenn accompanied him home. Roy and Edna were in this eve.

Monday, December 28, 1942 – Not very cold. They hauled water for Alice to wash; clothes did not dry much. Was upstairs most of the day. Read some to the children. Mailed letters to F. J. B. and G. A. N. Mr. and Mrs. Ray Milton Webber were in tonight. Shirley and Nina, Glenn and, perhaps Tom, intend going I think. They went to Badminton.

Tuesday, December 29, 1942 – Nice & mild, but wind cold. The men, except Sidney Cox, who attended things at the mill, went to bring the planer and moulder from Brookfield. It was a heavy job, but they got back an hour or so before tea, and put the machinery in the lumber house. The funeral of the late George Fulton of (blank) was held in Upper Stewiacke Church this afternoon; the funeral sermon with comforting words, was preached by Rev. J. M. Sproule. Mr. Fulton’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. Rupert (nee Christie McKenzie) Fulton are sleeping. (Blank) had charge of the burial service. Miss Blanche M. Andrews of Elmsdale, and S. Logan Barnhill, Belmont, are being married tonight at the bride’s father & mother’s home in Halifax Co. (Elmsdale); by Rev. J. Marshall Sproule of this congregation. Mrs. Morris Blaikie and Miss Jean P. Smith had dinner with us today.

Wednesday, December 30, 1942 – A nice mild day. There was no sunshine. Eva was in a little while this p.m. Alice was helping the others quilt two quilts at the hall today. They got them quilted. Glenn and Winnie and George went to Stewiacke this p.m. Glenn and Winfred had their dinner at the mill there. Guess this is all for tonight.

Thursday, December 31, 1942 – Rainy last night and today, too. Cool tonight. Was binding a Red Cross quilt, and knitting a little: and reading to the children – Freda and Leslie. I like to read to them. I think they like it too. The men sawed shingles today. Glenn did not haul lumber. Nina expects to be home tonight. She & Shirley are at Badminton, also Tom Fulton. This is the last day of 1942. No more 1942 to be put on letters &c. The year has gone – what will 1943 bring!

Appendices (1942)

Extracts from Favorite Reading
So tell me the sweet old story,
        That falls on each wound like balm;
And my heart that was bruised and broken,
        Shall grow peaceful and strong and calm.
I know not the way I am going
        But well I know my guide,
And with childlike faith I give my hand
        To the mighty friend at my side.
And the only thing that I say to him,
        As he takes it is, “Hold it fast”;
Suffer me not to go astray,
        And lead me home at last (Feb. 21, 1942)

Valentine stanza written by F. J. Boomer (Feb. 14, 1942)
“If I could have my choice of earthly treasure,
And heaven should grant me just one boon while here,
I’d choose the gem and source of all my pleasure,
‘Tis you, Sweet Valentine, the one I hold most dear.”

Spring
Oh! It is spring!
Do you hear the birds sing?
It just makes my heart ring,
With these tidings of spring.
In our own city park
We can see a small lark;
It sings Oh! so clear!
It just catches your ear.
The snow is melting and flowing away,
The children are shouting in a different way,
The brook is singing and laughing so gay;
All this is happening on this bring spring day.
Written by Allan Boomer, Red Deer
when he was twelve years old.

Births
Born to Mr. and Mrs. Earnest Dean, at the C. C. Hospital, Truro, Jan. 12, a son.
Born to Mr. and Mrs. John Creelman, at the C. C. Hospital, Jan (blank), a son. Mother did not recover.
Born to Mr. and Mrs. Roy Leslie (nee Irma M. Brenton) at the C. C. Hospital, Truro, Mar. 8^th (Sabbath), 1942, a son, Michael Wayne.
Mar. 24m at the C. C. Hospital, Truro, a daughter was born to Mr. and Mrs. Sidney Cox, 7 lbs. weight, Maxine Ruth.

1942 deaths
Jan. 8^th – Mrs. Martha (Andrews) Fleck, 77 yrs, 11 months. At her daughter’s, Truro.
Jan. 8^th – Mrs. J. W. Murphy, Brookfield
Jan. 8^th – Mrs. Lewis Dean
Jan 23^rd – Mrs. John Creelman died in the C. C. Hospital, Truro, aged (blank)
Feb. 4^th – Mrs. Henry P. Cox (Mary Ellen Brown) died at her home, Upper Stewiacke Village, at the age of 73 years, 8 months.
Feb. – Mr. Robert Laidlaw Wright died at his son’s, Gordon Wright, Alton, aged 82 years.
Mar. – Mrs. Laurence Thomas (nee Erma Anthony) of (blank) Hants Co., sister of Lloyd Anthony, Otter Brook.
Mar. – Mrs. Janet Brant Dwyer, Truro.
Mar. – John Robert Graham died very suddenly at his home in Pembroke, Col. Co., age 77 years.
Apr.  9 – Mr. Allan Johnson died at his home in South Branch, Middle Stewiacke, aged 78 yrs.; also on the same day James (Jamsey) Cox died. They were near neighbors. Mr. Johnson leaves a widow and grown family. Mr. Cox was unmarried.
In the early hours of the morning of Mar. 14, 1942, Maxine Ruth, infant daughter of Sidney G. and Jean E. Cox, passed away at their home in Upper Stewiacke Village.

Cards
Dec. 15, 1941 Cards
1. Christmas            Card (Mrs. Annie Miller)
2. Elsie McLeod            “      Dec. 16.
3. Mr. & Mrs. Guy Laffin        “      “
4. J. W. Girdwood         “      “
5. Janie & John Collings “        Dec. 19
6. G. A. Nichols & Hdrq.      “        Dec. 19
7. A. & Arnold Wood             “      Dec. 19
8. John & Bertha          “      Dec. 19
9. Mattie Smith             “      Dec. 19
10. Margaret & Roy Vessy        “      “
11. Miriam Sarcy           “      “
12. Mrs. J. Lockhart                        “      Dec. 20
13. Mrs. P. W. Graham   “        “
14. Mrs. J. & M. Sargent “        “
15. Muriel F. Fulton            “      Dec. 22
16. June Blaikie             “      “
17. Blair Miller               “      “
18. Gordon & Pearle & family “        “
19. Mrs. D. Kennedy                        “      “
20. Mrs. Ellis & Nellie      “        “
21. Mrs. A. C. Horncastle        “      “
22. Helen C. Reynolds        “      “
23. The Tuppers           “      “
24. The Collins              “      “
25. Walter Blaikie         “      “
26. The Girdwoods                     “      “
27. The Reddens          “      “ (three more)
28. Alice, Marie & Bruce 
29. Ed. Webster
30. Fred & Bessie
31. Thelma & Charlie
32. Mrs. S. P. Creelman
33. Eva & Joyce & Harold
34. The MacInnis
35. Doris Fulton
36. Mr. & Mrs. H. T. Fulton
37. Chas. & Bessie
38. Vivian
39. Mrs. Sproule Rev.
40. Stella Woodin

Letters
Dec. 16 – R. N. Woodworth
Dec. 16 – Flossie (Annie Duncan enclosed)
Dec. 19 – Mr. J. Wright
----
E. Fern Boomer
1513, 12^th St. W.
Calgary, Alberta

Mr. J. Wright
4320 Cambridge St.
Vancouver, B. C.

1942
Jan. 1 – 1 pair of socks
Jan 17 – “
Jan. 31 –         “
Feb. 16 –         “
Feb. 24 –         “
Mar. 2 –         “
Mar. 14 –         “
Mar. 25 –         “
Apr. 2 –        “
Apr. 17 –         “
Apr. 29 –         “
May 8 –         “
May 23 –         “
June 6 –         “
June 11 –         “
June 16 –         “
June 27 –         “
July –             “

Marriages
June 4 – Meadowvale, at the home of the bride’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. Burton Wright, Wednesday, Marguerite, their second daughter, was married to Ross Baker of (blank), Halifax Co. Rev. J. M. Sproule was the officiating clergyman.

Births
To Mr. and Mrs. Edwin R. Blaikie, a son was born in the C. C. Hospital, Truro, May 18^th. Weight 7 lbs. (nearly). Monday, May 18^th, 1942, Keith Roy.
To Mr. and Mrs. J. Mac Carter, Brookfield, May 11, 1942, a daughter was born in the C. C. Hospital, Truro. Eleanor Eva.
To Mr. and Mrs. Raymond L. Stewart, a daughter was born in the C. C. Hospital,, Truro, May (blank) 1942, Donalda Leslie.

Wartime Photos (clipped from magazine, bilingual caption)
(Side 1) Attending to the wants of the inner man – A detachment of 3^rd Field Ambulance Corps at Salisbury Plain drawing rations outside their hut at Sling Plantation. The food supplied to the Canadians is as wholesome as it is plentiful, appetizing and good. In many instances it is cooked without ovens or kitchens, and with plain open trenches.
(Side 2) Montreal soldier laddies at Salisbury – Reading from left to right they are (top row) Lance-Corp. F. W. J. Cunningham, Pte. Fred Leonard, Pte. Wilton Spencer, Pte. Percy Chambers. (Bottom row) Pte. W. J. Glendening, Signaller Campbell and Pte. Jos. Labelle.

Addresses
Pte. Chester L. Towne, U.S.M.C.
U. S. Marine Corps, Unit 595,
c/o Postmaster
San Francisco, Calif

65551 Pte. Webster W. F.
Coy 18 Can. Forrestry Corps.
Canadian Army Overseas

List of names (possibly from those giving gifts during the year)
M. Ed. Webster, 438 Walker Ave., Ashland, Ore.
J. Wright, 4320 Cambridge St., Vancouver, B. C.
G. A. Nichols, Scarboro, Maine
Mr. & Mrs. F. W. Abrahamson, North St., Southbridge
Mrs. Eliz. B. Creelman – Maitland, Hants Co., N. S.
Mrs. Annie Miller
Mrs. Edith & $1.00 Red Deer
Mrs. Flossie, hdkf & stamps
George M. Blaikie
Mrs. H. M. Sproule, Harvey Sta., York Co., N. B.
Mrs. Annie Wood
Mrs. Anne Ratcliffe

Poems
(at the beginning of diary dated July 27, 1942 to Dec. 31, 1942)

Forgiveness
My heart was heavy, for its trust had been
Abused; its kindness answered with foul wrong;
So, turning gloomy from my fellow men,
One summer Sabbath day I strolled among
The green mounds of the village burial place
Where, pondering how all human love and hate,
Wronged, and wrongdoer, each with meekened face,
And cold hands folded over a still heart,
Pass the green threshold of our common grave,
Wither all footsteps tend, when none depart;
Awed for myself, and pitying my race
Our common sorrow, like a mighty wave,
Swept all my pride away, and trembling, I forgave.
                                        J. G. Whittier

The Desolate Home
There’s a silence round the homestead,
        Not a sound in any place,
Not a footstep, nor an echo,
        There’s no kind or welcoming face.
And the faces of the children
        Who were here in days of yore
Now have vanish – they may company
        In these home grounds never more.

A Little Flower Garden
The little garden of which I write, is no show place; has no rare exotic blooms; but it makes one feel love, and the mysterious longing for the beauty and sweetness of humble things on earth, touched with God’s goodness to the common people in their toil and homely cares.

This small garden consists of a few yards of plant loveliness growing before a cottage where a mother, daughter and son love in happy congeniality.

On the right hand, coming out from the front door of the cottage, is a lovely scarlet geranium; the green leaves and brilliant blossoms are very attractive.

Climbing on supports against the walls of the cottage are the various colored morning glories – white, blue, different shades of red, pink and so on, among the dark green leaves. A tub of chrysanthemums, whose flowers will come later in the season, is growing near.

Then a square plot of dahlias, with buds giving promise of blossoms to come, lies to the front. Poppies here and there show buds, which will be beautiful later, when they open their short-lived flowers.

A clump of golden glow, with its bright hued blossoms, and sturdy stems, grows near the dahlias, and on the right of the grassy walk dividing this little place of flowers into two parts. Sweet May’s soft white clusters, and fragrant heliotrope, have well night spent their blossoms for this year.

An ever-blooming rose bush sheds its dark red flower petals on the sod beside it, the sweet scent all through the air around it.

A syringe bush grows beside the rose, its blossoms, having spent their fragrance, and departed. The reddish yellow lilies are here, having lived a day at a time; some of them yet keep blooming however. A honeysuckle, with its sweet scented flowers gone for this year, climbs a rustic ladder, and looks strong and sturdy. A row of lilac, and bush, and June roses grow beside the lane; blossoms gone for this season.

The prince’s feather crowds in, wanted, or not wanted,  and among the other flowers, and shrubs holds a place. The blue and white ladies’ slippers grow in bunches among the gladioli and Bouncing Betts; but is deprived of some of its pride by the aggressive hollyhocks. And such hollyhocks! So tall and sturdy! All colors; from pink to dark scarlet, or maroon. They make a patch of wonderful beauty; and when the sun shines through them; in the declining day, we are led to think, that if this temporal loveliness charms our hearts, and gives them unspoken longings, what must be the celestial beauty unfolded to us, at the end of our earthly day: and what deep and hidden joys to be revealed to our fully expanded minds in that land where we shall see the King in his Beauty.

In a Guest Room
The hours spent in this dear room
        Have sweet and peaceful been;
The midnight darkness gave me rest,
        The morn, a wind serene.
May those who call this house their home
        In their daily round of life,
Find that which satisfies each need,
        And drowns the worldly strife.
May cares and burdens leave their minds,
        The woes that bear them down,
Be laid at last at Jesus feet,
        When they have won the Crown.
This be their prayer from day to day,
        “Oh! Father show us now
To bear the burdens and the cares
        Which meet us here and now.
                                        Aug. 1938

To Mr. & Mrs. S. A. F. on the Birthday of Mrs. Fulton
You have passed through childhood’s pleasures
        Sang and wept and laughed and played;
Then came youth, and love and marriage,
        Joys, and sorrows, on you laid.
Wife and mother, you’ve been faithful,
        In your home life, to your friends;
Years of hope and work and gladness,
        Now the evening shade descends.
May your eventide be trustful,
        With a faith that will not cease;
While the husband of your youth time
        Shares this quiet time of peace.
Deepest sorrow has come o’er you,
        But the Father gives you strength
To look upward to the glories
Which shall be revealed at length.
May your twilight time be happiest,
        May the wisdom and the love
Of your Father up in Heaven
        Lead you to that Home Above.

Highest Earthly Honor
Dear Ones, do not sorrow for me,
        I have left all pain behind;
Now the splendor that surrounds me
        Cannot enter human mind.
Now I sing the song triumphant
        In the Savior’s Home Above;
Glorious change from war’s grim labour
        In this land where all is love.
Love, and perfect peace abiding
        Where God’s soldiers, gathered home,
How sweet converse with each other,
        And they never wish to roam.
Far away across the ocean
        There my body sleeps in peace;
Tho’ the sounds of guns and fighting
        Round about me never cease.
Highest honor any soldier
        Ere could ask – all else is dross –
placed above my grave you see it,
        Just a common wooden cross.
                                        1916

Thoughts of Springtime
There is fresh green grass aspringing
        Over all the vales and hills;
How the songs the birds are singing
        Rich in joy, all nature fills!
Spirits held by pain and anguish
        Through the long, drear winter hours,
Now expand, no more to languish,
        Strengthened by mysterious powers.
Something in ethereal touches
        Starts our sad hearts into life;
Seems our very being clutches
        At deliverance from the strife.
Heart rent was the deep felt plowing;
        Bitter harrowing, and spade;
But the spirit bears up, knowing
        Preparation must be made.
Ere the gold fruits of harvest
        Shall be give to our hands,
We must toil and hope with patience
        Then the prize comes from our lands.
Rich hued fruit and plenteous harvest
        Bearing home the golden sheaves,
And the joy of happy reapers
        Which it merits and receives.
So the pain and sorrow weary,
        Hard the labor; then “Well done;”
This will earn His sweet approval,
        And the life in Heaven be won.

Highest Honor
Dear ones do not sorrow for me,
        I have left all pain behind;
Now the splendor that surrounds me
        Cannot enter human mind.
Now I sing the song triumphant,
        In the Savior’s Home Above;
Glorious change from war’s grim labor
        In this land where all is love.
Love and perfect peace abiding
        Where God’s soldiers, gathered home,
Have sweet converse with each other
        And they never wish to roam.
Far away across the ocean – 
        There my body sleeps in peace;
Tho’ the sounds of guns and fighting
        Round about me never cease.
Highest honor any soldier, ere could ask
        All else is dross –
Placed above my grave you see it
        Just a simple wooden cross.
                                        1916
(handwritten a second time in diary

Helen Aleine Blaikie. died April 20^th, aged 8 mos. (1925)
Little floweret, pure and stainless,
        Entered into rest at last;
Called by Jesus into Heaven
        Where pain of earth is past.
God’s kind face beholds our baby,
        Guards her with His tender care;
With his perfect love surrounds her
        In that country rich and fair.
God will comfort all the sad ones
        Who come near Him in their grief;
As a mother soothes her children
        So the Master sends relief.
So our thoughts turn to the future
        And a day when life is done;
If we keep our faith in Jesus – 
        We shall meet the little one.

Kept in Peace
Savior we know thy love,
        Help us to trust;
Oh! May we look above
        When hopes are dust.
When anxious thoughts arise
        There is relief;
If we but turn to Thee
        In sweet belief.

At evening
The wind is howling fiercely,
        Its shrill sounds pierce the heart,
The time is close on Autumn,
        When summer joys depart.
The chilliness of evening
        Makes warmth seem doubly dear;
And soft wool clothes in mornings
        Bring signs of winter near.
But now the wind is quiet,
        Tho’ it has not gone away;
The sad thoughts which oppress me
        Still make their plans to stay.
These saddening backward memories!
        Depressing, tho’ so sweet,
Remain in quiet thoughtland,
        And long past times repeat.
At last there comes sweet comfort
        Like sunshine after rain;
And joy so full of beauty
        Brings faith to strive again.
Sabbath Morning – Going to, and at, church
The Sabbath silence in the air,
        Breathes reverence, deepened everywhere;
The road to church, side-lined with green,
        A ribbon of dark tan is seen.
The country church doors open wide,
        To beckon worshippers inside.
We enter here, the place of love,
        To get instructions from Above.
The man of God, the choir that sings,
        Should lift our thoughts to holy things.
The kindly words of friends so dear,
        A trustful sense of Jesus near,
Uplift and strengthen hearts bowed down,
        To firmer faith, and hoped for crown.
Known to the Master’s children
        Is the comfort of His love;
And oft to the weak and weary
        Comes strengthening from above.
And oft in the darkest hours,
        A gleam of light will shine
Upon the dreary pathway
        Lifting sad hearts to Thine.

Gone to Jesus – Little Laurie
We miss our darling baby,
        And his sweet winsome ways;
He brightened all our home life,
        Made sunshine through the days.
He left his little playthings,
        His cart, his sled, and toys;
To take an upward training,
        Find other, deeper joys.
Little one, our earnest longing
        May not bring you back again;
But we feel you’re safely sheltered
        In that home that knows no pain.
Savior, may our faith be strengthened,
        May the Father’s peace be given,
Knowing we shall meet our Laurie
        When God summons us to Heaven.

Tribute, written by E. Anne Ryan
There is nothing left of her busy life
But the things she made, when her days were full – 
A couple of rugs on the kitchen floor,
And an afghan made of bits of wool.
Her garden has a deserted look,
And the weeds show up in the sunshine’s smile;
She is dead, and the things she fought run wild,
And you stop and think, was her life worth while?
But if you had known, as well I knew,
The quiet good, and helping hand.
And the neighborly, warm, big heart of her,
I think you would really understand
That not all the people we call great
Are really greatest in the end.
And perhaps the finest thing in life
Is a homely, common, every day friend.
So the little life, with the homely tasks. 
Has worked its pattern, and so goes on;
What if the weeks grow rank again?
What if the flowers are dead and gone?
The gentle woman of small account,
With a cheerful smile on her brave old face,
Will never die, for the tide of years 
Will produce her like, to take her place.
Aug. 26, 1942

Marriages
Edna Mabel Nelson and Roger Ernest Strum of South Branch, Col. Co., and Windsor, Hants Co., were married Oct. 2^nd, 1942
Eva Ella Gray of Londonderry Station, Col. Co., and David Morrison Blaikie of Upper Stewiacke, Col. Co., were married Oct. 10^th, 1942, at the residence of foster parents Mr. and Mrs. Ward Giddens of Londonderry Station, by Rev. J. K. MacInnis, minister of Brunswick St. Church, Truro.

Addresses:
Mrs. G. B. Redden
35 Columbus Ave.
Timmins, Ont.

Mrs. A. J. Harrison
Box 155
Maccan, Cum.Co., N. S.

Tech. Stanley F. Abrahamson, 31050365
Company B
809^th Engineers Battalion Avn.
A. P. O. 875
New York, N. Y.

Mrs. H. M. Sproule
Box 113
Harvey Sta.
York Co., N. B.

Mrs. Jessie Fisher
RR 4 Musquo.
Hfx. Co., N. S.

W. J. B. address
110 Metcalfe St.
St. Thomas, Ont.

Morris’ divisional No. G30050

Jean Peppard
86 Worcester St.
Boston, Mass.

Mrs. J. Sargent
79 Tilden Ave.
Newport, R. I.

Mrs. Elsie MacLeod – Mrs. Alan MacLeod
41 LeRoy Pl.
Red Bank, N. J., U. S. A.

Sgmn. Blaikie, G. M.
R. C. Signal F65686 C. A. 
Motor Transport Coy. (M. T.)
Vimy Barracks
Kingston, Ont.

R174504AC2 Blaikie W. J.
Hagersville, Ont.