Emma to Joe, 24 January 1923

 

Maple Lane Farm

Hampton

24th Jan 1923

My Dear Joe,

Your "dandy" letter of a week ago got here today. Before the mail came I decided if no letter came today, I would write to you tonight, so now I will anyway. 

We are all well at present though there is a lot of sickness (called "flu") around and in Oshawa. 

Ted got home on Wednesday last. The coldest day so far this Winter arrived in about ten minutes too late to catch Mr Stainton who went in with the milk. The 'phone was out of order that day so he couldn't raise any body on this line - nor we couldn't get Oshawa to find if he was there. He came walking in just tea time having "chanced it" and  walked a good part of the way. He reports a fine trip - no one in Webbwood knew him - several took him for you. (Mrs B got him in the paper as visiting "his brother at Espanola near North Bay!) This afternoon he is at a wood-bee at Fred Langmaid's. He and their saw and engine and Papa spent Friday afternoon sawing Howard Taylor's wood. (Percy L's hired man)

Last week we were at Stainton's to tea and with them to Sully's afterwards. They were here with two little girls Sunday night and we are invited to Lou Pascoe's (at Hampton you know) for tea tomorrow night - also with the A T Staintons. Getting awfully intimate, eh! Well, the Langmaid's are gone now you see. Stanley and Doris Stainton were in at "Uncle Joe's" from Saturday morning till Sunday morning. The Langmaids especially Mr L. are as lonesome as can be in town especially since sleighing came and laid up their car. 

It snows every day yet - but one night it rained and soaked off some. Lots of wells around here are dry and many farmers have to draw water quite a distance for their stock. Our creek is O.K. and the barn cistern is full too. The pop-corn is the real thing isn't it. We'll have to plant twice as much this spring They've fairly lived on it this winter. Of course we'll send you more and your barrel of apples will start along some of these days. I'll send you word when.

Your loving

Mother

 P.S. Thursday afternoon

I forgot to send this letter with the school kids this morning thereby delaying it a whole day, but I can say some more now. 

O yes, I saw the Globe's article about the new senator. They like him better now than they did in 1917 and the years of Union government! Ted says when they saw it in Espanola Irene said "Goody! now I can get a divorce!" and Douglas said "Can you? I'd like to know whose uncle you think this is"! If Ted had mill he could make paper now from pulp to newsprint.

O! Joe, Mrs Robins died last night. Poor Norah - she will miss her so - and they can say what they like Norah deserves a lot of happiness to pay up for the sacrifices she's made.

It sounds good to hear you referring to getting out in a month or so. The days are getting longer - spring is coming!

Well! So, I must fix the fires and sew a bit. Keep writing often.

Love from all

Envelope addressed Dear lake, Ontario, McF and M [last bit torn]