The Journals of Martha E. McMillan

James and I found that preaching had commenced so we drove out of the church yard and went down to Riley C’s and mother’s a few minutes (59-60). 2 Dec. Monday. Cold. Quite a number hands here helping to butcher - Matt and Jane here for dinner. The dutchman seemed much better this morning- concluded not to stay with us any longer but to go to Columbus and look out for work that would suit him better (60). 3 Dec. Tuesday. Not quite so cold. Little Dave Mc with us last night left before breakfast. Matt went down home with Dan’s Matt this morning. Jane is still with us - Miss Smith is still with us today also helping us to finish up the work. James at Daws helping to butcher. Eve. James at C- (60). 4 Dec. Wed. Pleasant. James and Cristie out arranging the stock. Afternoon. I took Jane back to C - . Cristie took a load of wood down to Mother’s. Jane and I drove out to the carpet weavers but did not get the carpet. When I came back to town, Matt and I drove down to Jeffries. Did not get home till later (61). 8 Dec. Sabbath. Very cold. James and I at preaching. Rev Ritchie, agent of the American Tract Society, preached this afternoon. A collection was taken up for him (62). 9 Dec. Monday. Forenoon. James out on the plantation. Afternoon. James at C - (62). 10 Dec. Tuesday. James over at Clifton took dinner at Jn Forbeses. Eve. came home by C - took supper at Mother’s. Did not return till near ten (62). 12 Dec. Thurs. Morning - Snow. It is quite cold. the snow falling fast and the winds ? it in every direction. Afternoon - we fixed up a fire in the dining room and moved into Winter Quarters. James at home all day looking after things generally. Eve - Jon Mitchel called with our mail (63). 13 Dec. Friday. Calm and cold. Sleighing very good. The air is vocal with the music of the sleigh bells. Forenoon quite busy sewing. James out on the plantation. Afternoon James and I took a drive to C - We called at Mother’s. Jennie C - was there also. She and Matt went down to the post office with us afterwards. Jennie went out with James and I for our carpet. Before leaving town we concluded to go out home - we only stayed for about half an hour. Some way or other I couldn’t help thinking of the days of “Honey Moon” half the time while out today. Everything seemed to recall them so vividly. That is if there are such “days” some way or other I don’t believe there are. If we make the most of life and study its true philosophy well; the moon shall shine brighter and brighter as the years go by making our life’s picture sparkle with many a rosy hue (63-64). 24