My dearest Calvin

I had intended writing you twice a week, but really we seem to be always so occupied with various things. Had our Auxiliary on Tuesday Mrs. Mullin came on Monday for awhile and came again to tea on Tuesday, had a nice letter from you she said. Have been trying to make a few calls. Wednesday H. & I went to see the Bard, he was looking remarkably well and was glad to hear about us all. Martha regaling us with tea and cake. Yesterday we called on the Blacks, they were wonderfully cheerful and well, the Mr. B. said, his trouble would prevent him ever going down to church again. Jean is liking her house very much, better than the one at Gravenhurst, but they have no fence round the very small bit of ground, which they regret very much.

Hilda went with Mrs. M. to hear the Elgar Choir. Heurner kindly sent tickets. It was in the new Methodist Church for the Red Cross, very fine music and a very fine church. Must send you a paper with Gourlay Colquhoun's picture, no doubt he would be a fine shot, had a fine training for it in his young days. I am always dreading to hear he is gone, his tall striking figure would be so conspicuous. H. went up to call on Mr. Maclaren, he was asleep. Lizzie has not returned from Barrie, whither she went at New Year's. Mrs. Daly's father Cassels, an old gardener, who cut Mr. Murray's grass for thirty years has died. Did you see Mr. Newton has died and John Harvey too?

I am sending the matting for your stairs by freight; it would leave this week. The Wheedons have found a house which exactly suits on Beulah Ave; the news from Bracebridge is that Mrs. Hugh Gilchrist has nervous prostration, so I am afraid the congregation will have to wait still longer for entertainment. But I am sorry for the minister to have found a delicate wife, worse Calvin than having none, I think. E. heard from Nellie James, Winnie Gartshore has a little boy. Barbara Sparks had been at St. Mary's and on way home was seized here with appendicitis, Miss Wheelihan was going with her. Well Cal. dear, I cannot think of anything more just now. I trust you are keeping well and happy. All join in best love.

Your loving mother

M.B. McQuesten