I imagine Aunt Gertie in a Disney movie kind of scenario as she describes her boat ride. Not the scary traumatic parts of Disney movies (why Disney why?) but more the skipping along singing with the animals who are your best friends (of course until the gun came out haha).

There is an art to letter writing and Aunt Gertie had it. So did Grandma and several other women who would send mom letters while she was in the hospital. This one would have been sent when mom was almost 13 and had been in the hospital for almost 2 years.

Cochrane, Alberta

August 9, 1953

Dear Margie:

I’ve just returned from a most enjoyable boat ride. After supper we saw the lake was smooth as glass and it looked so inviting we decided to go for a row. Tow families of ducks swam around us and many flocks of large ducks circled overhead. Once a large heron swooped gracefully down and landed at the water’s edge. It stood there for a long time watching us. Suddenly we saw muskrats swimming about in all directions. George had his gun along so a hot chase ensured. Teddy, the dog, was in the boat with us. He got so excited when one passed close by that he jumped overboard and tried hard to catch it. George’s gun started popping and I had to constantly duck dropping shells. He got two, but there are ever so many in the lake. We’ll have to get them as they are again tunnelling into the dam. We stayed on the lake till the last rosy rays of the sunset reflected on the water and the mists began to rise. I love the evenings when the work is done and a peace and quiet envelopes the countryside and the birds and animals make such sleepy comfortable sounds as they settle down to rest. Life seems especially good and rich.

This last week we finished stacking the wild hay and started using the bailer on the tame hay. Davie runs the side delivery rake, Lawrence drives the “cat” that pulls the baler. George piles the bales on the stone boat and dumps them in big piles. The girls and I take out the afternoon tea and stay awhile to watch. It is rather fascinating to watch.

One day as George and I went to Cochrane we took the “Lovers Road”. We came across a group of Hollywood people making a movie shot with the farmers collie “Lassie”. The dog certainly is a beautiful golden colour with a Snow White ruff. It was fun coming across these movie folk so unexpectedly.

Today George and the boys went riding to see how the cattle were faring. When they returned, George gave me the most beautiful bouquet of pink roses he had picked. I don’t think I’ve ever seen such a rich rosy colour as these had and their perfume was grand. I just couldn’t stop smelling them.

Our Indian helpers have gone back to Morley now. The day before they left they all came for tea. There were 21 counting the papooses and older children. I fed them on the lawn and there were so many of them. Afterwards they asked to see me work my new sewing machine. They crowded round me so closely I could scarcely move and their eyes grew large with interest and amazement as they saw me move numerous levers and make many pretty designs and button holes. When I was done I gave the compile to the old grandmother and she hugged it tightly to her breast and said she intended to put it on her wall. They are such simple and happy people. They really enjoy life.

One day Tom Kaquitts(?) was here for tea. He asked me for a piece of string and measured my foot for a pair of moccasins. I’ve given him the odd pound of butter so I guess he just wanted to show me he appreciated it. I’m quite thrilled to be getting a pair of moccasins as I’ve never had any before. Bet folks will smell me coming for a while as that willow smoke they tan the least her with sure penetrates.

My mother is going east to Toronto and vicinity on Labour Day. She and Roger are going by plane. It will be a nice change for her and she will see some beautiful autumn scenery. The sugar maple there take on such brilliant hues.

We were all so thrilled to hear that the nurses are letting you stand up once in a while. One day they will have you taking steps and you will have the greatest thrill of your life.

Week before last we had Bonnie Macombe stay with us. Her daddy sold us our sewing machine. She and Mary had a grand time riding, braiding, going to the field and playing house under the spruce trees. They had their table and chairs there and had spruce needles and cones for their tea. It was fun to listen in on their conversation.

Bonnie’s home is right across from Ernie Dunford’s and is really lovely inside. I haven’t been in any new homes till I saw theirs and Ernie’s. They are different from ours and have every convenience I’ve ever read or heard about. Both the houses command marvellous views of the city and no one can build in front to spoil the view. At night the myriad lights must resemble the stars above.

Did you know that Erie(?) and Georgie have a baby boy? They are very proud of him. I saw the lovely bassinet Georgie made. It sits high on a pedestal and is lined with quilted plastic. The outside is cornered with fluffy white frills and has a wide ribbon and bows on the sides. Georgie enjoyed making it I’m sure.

Well Margie, I must get to bed. Tomorrow is voting day so I’d better be able to rise and shine at an early hour to get down to the poling booth. We all send our love and best wishes. Keep up the good work Margie.

Love, Aunt Gertie