My Dear Chris
All the others have written to you and I expect have left very little for me to say. We are rather in a state of uncertainty as to what we
shall do here. The children may go away to the seaside for a month and we may let the house or I may go to sea next voyage taking the younger ones with me. I should not like it but your father
seems to think we must do something to keep down the expenses a little. We have such a huge household now.
Our garden looks very nice this summer. We have a great
number of roses and they do look so bright. We are not
altogether pleased with our gardener he does not do nearly the work he should.
Our hay has all been made and we have a nice stack. We did not help this year as we made a contract with some men to cut stack and thatch it.
Bessie Tatham only went home last week after being here three months. I quite like her she is a nice girl.
Alex is a little
(line missing)
returned to school. We are all invited to Mr Blocks Regatta Picnic for the 1st of August. You will not be home in time – the Grammar School Regatta is today and tomorrow
Your two aunts are staying here just now. Only for a week.
We are in the midst of our jam making. Last week I made over 40 ?? of strawberry The fruit was all picked off one bed –
Archie visits us very much with his new love Maudie Kennedy, it is
a far more serious affair than any he has had yet. They write to each other frequently –
I’ve had a grand day at St Paul’s yesterday unveiling the ????
Memorial Window. They had two musical services and
as Jessie and I belong to the Musical Society we were
asked to assist. We had very good places, both for
seeing and hearing –
Now I must say goodbye as I have heaps of work to do. We are all well.
Ever dear Chris, your loving Mater
Cecilia Elmslie
July 13
I suspect Edies letter will be taken up in giving a description
of her presents.