NEW YEAR's EVE LETTER 1937

 "I am the NEW YEAR. I am an unspoiled page in your book of time." -Bible Illustrator

New Years' Letter ( full of newsy tidbits regarding her siblings and former neighbours on the farms) From my grandmother, Isobel Shiels, to my mother, Nessie, New Year's Eve 1937.....

 Dear Nessie: Christmas over and the snow's deep. I long for spring. Dad says we have to be patient. Like those darn coyotes howling at the snowdrifts. Day in. Day out. Christmas Day we stuffed a couple of chickens. Went to boil them, but thought better of it. Needed the water for the taters and carrots.  Sure was a nice crop this year. Has lasted well.

 We managed to get the radio working again.Kind of lost without it the past little while.  Dad can get the news. Not that there's much news to want to hear. But still we sat at the table. Cut up the last fruitcake and had us a slice.  It will have to last till well into the New Year. Rewrapped it,and put it back in the cellar,  so that Stuart  couldn't get his hands on it. 

 Stuart had to get new school books. Cost $11.00 all  together. He had to use his money from selling those chickens. Now he will have to wait till the spring . 

 Isobel is still enjoying Normal School. Says they are always changing teaching methods. Now they have to focus on real world things. To help prepare the kids for the "real world".  Not sure how she's going to do that. Especially if she's got Mabel Brewster's boys in her class. Heaven help the lot of them! Remember last summer when they stole their dad's tractor?

 Dad and I will be spending New Year's alone. We don't mind. Stuart's gone over  with Willie to  the bonfire at George and  Alda's. Whole lot of young folk going there.

 Isobel has moved into her  new place at Edwards school .Starts Jan 3rd.  She is sure pleased with her boarding place. A grand cook, the boarding Lady is. Nice family there. All real smart. I hope she does well. She has to work at being patient with all them new kids.

 That's something  Alda Murray could do with. Some kindness, rest and prayer. She's not well.  No one knows what's wrong with her. She still insisted on having the young folk over for that Bonfire.

 She is an inspiration to us all. Though I don't think Mrs. Jake  would agree. You remember her, don't you? Still runs the post office with an iron fist. If that woman would just take an ounce of good spirits, a dash of fun  and roll it up into one, then she would be better off.

 We ALL would be better off.

 I see the snow's coming down again. These dark days of winter can't last much longer. Now with the New Year coming. It's a few hours out. We'll stay up to see it in, like we always do.

 I have the broom waiting by the back door to sweep out the Old Year. And the coal I put by the step. It will be ready for the first dark haired man of the New Year. Makes your father jealous when I say that.

 Hoping it will be Alda's son, Robert. He has dark hair. He's coming to help fix  floorboards tomorrow. If not him, then I will get Willie or Stuart to bring it in. Such an old custom. But my mother did it and her mother did it. And they  thought it was good luck. I hope you remembered to find some coal as well. It's a fun thing to do. Never mind how silly you make it out to be.

 We need good luck.  These days at least. The way things are  in the world.I'll have to be thrifty  and sensible in the New Year. I have to do some visiting this week. Jim Neil has had a stroke, and can't talk. Vera  isn't sure what to do. That woman could never organize her house. Now with Jim down, I'll have to help her.  Well, as best I can. My New Year's Resolution.  Dad doesn't mind. He's going to help Vera get her fences fixed in the spring. 

 Some around here are really hard up. General Motors has started up again. 400 married men employed. I suppose it's a good thing. I suppose a lot of people will be leaving the farms to work in Regina.

 Well, it's almost midnight, Nessie. You'll get this letter  long after the New Year has begun. Hope you and Davie are staying well. Make sure your New Year is fun. Dad and I sure miss you both. But summer is coming, and we'll save a chicken or two for you, when you visit. In the meantime, an ounce of courage, a smidge of folly and a lot of happiness to you both. Love, Mother

 "Let this year be filled with things that are truly good. With the comfort of warmth in our relationships. Knowing that all things are possible. In You." -Anon. (The Start of a New Year)