853 Nassau St. Winnipeg, Man, Can, May 25.17

My dear Will,-

My mid-week letter is a little late, owing to 24th, & effects. I intended taking the children out to River Park, but yesterday (24th) morn. about 10 Mrs. Faulkner proposed us going to City Park with them, as they were going alone. I had a slight headache, but went to work & made some patty -cakes & gingers - and it was quite a rush, but we got away about 1 & got back about 7.20. We had quite a good day - fine & hot. It is Assuiborne Park where we went this time in the autos, from the [?].
We had the luck to catch an open car both ways & the kiddies enjoyed it. First thing at Eatons, one of the large auto - fire brigade came dashing along down to about Spence St. - & then another came from by the old Deaf & Dumb Inst. - a false alarm I guess for they came right back. There was an awful crowd out there & such dust - no rain yet. We had our lunch under a big maple tree - all sitting squatty on the ground. Mr. Faulkner remarked how you would have enjoyed it. He is not so bad - not a bit gushy or anything. We had a joke - he sits to read his paper at his kitchen window & when I want to speak to him I go there - Once, a day or two ago some big boy had Stanley's bike & I went & told him, & then on Wed. eve there was a big fire just over on Rosedale - not far past Gunns & I was making a rush to get the children to go see it, & I called him to come I did not wait for him tho'. We miss the fire brigade if it does not come up for a day or two. It has been up 10 times in 2 weeks. Two were houses - & the others grass & bush up past the school. It's great excitement for the children.

I intended to say I am quite sick today - headache & feeling sick, the heat yesterday I guess - I took their coats, 7 had a lunch box to carry, we did a lot of walking. When Shirley went to school Billy & I lay down & slept till about 3.30. I was too cold about the feet, I guess another nights sleep will cure me. I'd like to go down to the bank to-morrow I have 2 chk - $20 & $25 but precious little cash. (Billy is climbing on my back I want to ask the manager about that transfer I've had no word of it yet. Perhaps you might write a line to the bank over there, and see what about it. They said here they would notify me when it came, & I've had no notice yet. It should be here by Thurs.

Well, my dear, I am very blue, & lonely this week, thinking of you in all sorts of hardship and danger in France, and wondering just where you are. I am going to send this letter to London too. You will be sure of getting it anyway - tho' a little later perhaps. I have been drowning my trouble into work. I scrubbed the back door - & such a difference. It is like a new one. I have to get my screen one on yet. have it painted & ready waiting for a man. Then I fixed up back fence- made a spiff job of it, as Billy would say. I put 3 sticks up & stapled the wire to them - putting "tucks" where it was loose along the gap - so got it straight & tight. It looks fine too. Gave the sink & "toilet" one more coat of enamal - & gave the "green chain" another coat of grey - & the back door step 2 coats. I covered the back platform with bits of linolium. I just got my plants all out - & the wind gets in the North & I've to put them down or bring them it. Its so cold just now I have a shawl on. Will fire up for tea soon & move out there.

Just now the post man brought Shirley's & my card & your letter from London. It is good to hear from you again. Am so glad you had the trip to London the change from camp - & the sleep in a bed. I do hope it is soon over and you are back home. It does not look to be ending very soon - but one cant' tell - the Germans may not want to fase another winter of it. You spoke of making a list of the p.cards - It will be quite - a job - they have them in their books. I think we have got them all. You usually told as you were sending them and we always got them. All our mail has come remarkable well, which has been one comfort. I have just finished reading the "Life of Tennyson." And enjoyed it very much - am very fond of biography. & am a lover of Tennyson. (Tea time - more later in the warm Kitchen) 7.10 I'll proceed now - having "fed" & looked over the paper. The paper is better to-night - says Lloyd-G. says U-Boat is flat Failure, and that it will not be possible to starve England. Also Brazil is decided to join the allies. My! If it was just over. and we were looking forward to your coming home. It is only May. Yet so perhaps it will be over before fall. The paper says the next 4 weeks will decide what Russia is going to do.

Oh - I got out of getting Billy the "spiff fellows for the twenty- forf." The fire on Rosedale was the sleeping balcony & end of a Fire big 3 storey house. - a pretty bad fire- started by children putting off fire crackers in the sleeping Balcony & then getting in the bed. Billy & Stanley decided they'd have ice-cream instead. Billy has been collecting stumps & got me to light one - just an old [?] off on - & I lit it on the stove & forgot all about it - & in a couple of minutes - such an explosion & sparks - right over me - So that finished it. He decided we'd bury the rest to-day.

My expenses at the park were light. I treated Mrs. F & the 3 children to cones - & got a paper 25¢ - the paid my fare. They are quite sensible & saving. We took our sealers of tea instead of buying any. They liked my gingersnaps - So was glad I took some extra.

Did I tell you Helen (Mrs. D. Ferguson) has a baby boy - 12 days old (Robert Ross Ferguson). The happy daddy finds it hard to go to work & leave him. Lena's baby has had measles & was very sick, & Lena has not been well either.

I have formed this week long - worrying about you - Have been getting the children's sewing started, & did up quite a bit. I will not have much expenses for them - a hat & shoes & some ribbons for Shirley, & not much more for Billy. I got his shoes & stuff for suits & I made up the cloth sailor one I told you of long ago but will have to get a bit of blue to match to make pants. The ones I made are dandy only they show - light blue. He looks fine - I got him a sailor cap - may in the spring. Wish I had a Kodak & I'd get lots of pictures to send you. I will get thro' this summer with what I have - need boots - have not got them yet - but will get my old suits worn out & be ready for a new one next spring if all is well.

I am not seeing much of Gunns now at all - wonder if they are minding it. I will phone her to-night. They were so busy house cleaning - painting & papering. I did not want to bother them. I met my cousin Charlie Roberts at the Park yesterday - in Khaki - & such a young looking kid. I must find him & have him to tea - & tell him to bring his chum.

I have just phoned Mertie, & find her quite pleasant - nearly done cleaning. She has been very busy. "Grandma" went over to Mrs. Websters on Monday and took another of those "Stroke" spells. I phoned Lily Reid too - the first time for 2 months I guess. Auntie & Uncle are there - on their way out to their son's - came this way to see this Charlie. He is in the 100th Genadiers - not 18 yet. Lily wanted us to go there to-morrow to see Auntie, but I didn't know. I have to go to the Bank - before noon.

It is a very dry season. The radishes are up. & onions, I must try to water them often. The dust just blew along in clouds to-day. Lots of wind. I did not get my butter yet, - hope it comes soon. I bought 2 lbs 47¢ lb. & a pound lasted a week - we made it. Oh - I think it may be as well we did not get the fuel in. I fancy it may be less - wood anyway. The city is talking of buying up a big lot. The papers say prices are likely to be lower after a bit.

I think Shirley is doing fine at school. They had a concert 2 rooms & she said a little recitation. She says to teacher uses her to tell the others the words they don't know. Billy tries to be like you - to me. He never misses coming in to say "How are you getting on at the washing, mother." I'll stop now - my brains may be in better order by next letter. I hope you are well. Shall not go down till after mail in the morning - in case more letters.

Love & Kisses from us. All.