My dear Mr. McQuesten,

To be sure that some sort of message reaches you during the holiday season, I am hastily scribbling another brief line enclosing our united good wishes for the new year. I posted a note last week to Bruce, Alberta, which address was given me -- but your kind greetings which reached us in safety, and in good time, was postmarked "McLeod," so I fear you have been left without your mail, but I trust you will accept the good intentions -- that is if this gets to you. These are some the disadvantages of traveling all over the countryside.

We are all well but excessively tired after the rush -- I am glad to say the 25^th did not prove too much for us, but I am sure I myself nearly reached my limit -- I always feel grateful that it is but "once a year."

The C.E. had its Pound offering on Xmas Eve -- Three of us only ran it thro' but we got out 50 baskets. I did not need to mount the express delivery this year but it was a very close shave I can assure you.

All things go well in these parts -- we have not much snow for the season, but there is enough snap in the air to be agreeable. I hope to have more leisure later & shall try to have the Ontario budget written up then.

With many kind thanks for your kind greeting which warmed me thro' & thro' -- & again with brightest wishes for 1904.

Very sincerely your friend

M. Alice Crombie.