My dear dear boy,

Once more I have to write my weekly letters. I have had quite a busy week. On Tuesday Mary and I got through our "Visitation." It was a fine day, and we had an easy district, namely from Hunter to Duke, & from MacNab to Bay Sts. You will see that was very easy with Mrs. Hendrie and Central School blocks in it. Wednesday was a regular and that was the day poor Mrs. Fletcher was moving. I had gone in the evening before and it made me feel unspeakably sad, when I thought of the years gone forever and the many whom I knew so well gone too; it made one feel very old, and a great lump rises in one's throat.

The Managers and Elders had quite a stormy meeting we hear, at which Mr. Turner and Chas. Graham were determined the Dr. [Fletcher] should have $900 and offer the new man $1400, but it was not settled, it is going to be an extremely awkward question for the Annual Meeting next Wednesday. The congregation is in a hard position, the manse will need considerable overhauling, and the idea seems to be that no minister will want to come with the train nuisance. I was thinking you would not be enjoying yesterday. I am afraid you would get your feet wet, we have had all kinds of weather this week, ice everywhere. Poor Mrs. Mullin tumbled down at our back gate this morning. The ladies are subscribing to give Mrs. F. a purse, we hope to make up $100, and we would certainly not like her to leave without some acknowledgement.

We are getting rested after the Christmas fatigue, I am always so sorry to be so tired at that time, for I am truly not myself. Next week I go to St. Catharines, it is our Presbyterial Annual meeting on Tuesday. I am to stay with Mrs. Smith. It will be my first visit to St. Catharines. Ruby had a pleasant visit in Toronto, the day she left us, as perhaps you have heard, owing to a break down of a freight train between here & Toronto, so she stayed all night with Mrs. Ross & spent the day calling on friends. Do you know it was Willie MacKay who sent me the Xmas Globe? Poor fellow, it was very thoughtful of him, so go & see him. Well, dearie, take care of yourself. May God bless & keep you!

Your loving mother

M.B. McQuesten