Ottawa – Page 22 – A Family History in Letters

February 6 1953

6th Feb. 1953

Dearest Mummy,

I know you will be wondering how we are getting on, so here I am to prove that we are all still surviving – but what a week! Claire (the woman who comes to clean) was here today, & I had a sleep this afternoon, so I’m feeling quite chipper again – more like Cyn & not just “any mother”! Claire was in the hospital too, when Charlie was, so this is only the 2nd time she has been here, but she is a nice person & a good worker. She did out the sitting room thoroughly & did the floor & it looks lovely – did I tell you the curtains still aren’t up? I got everything done except the rufflette tape & ironing with Cec’s help & then going into hospital soon upset my schedule! Of course, we had to return the machine to Lee, so haven’t done anything more, but I promise myself that when things get organized again I shall hire a machine for a week & really do things! Claire also scrubbed the basement steps- of her own accord! – & did the passage & the kitchen, so we look very spic & span.

Thank you so much for your letter of 26th Jan.- and what do you think? On Tues. I got another A.M. from you & on reading it found you were thanking me for my letter telling about the plans for the Hallowe’en party! It was written on Nov. 8th & was the missing one I told you about- arrived Feb. 3! Before I forget again, thank you so much for the package with the darling little jacket for Charlie & the diary – both so welcome & useful. Charlie is doing pretty well in jackets after all- Nan sent him a sweet little Clydella coat (& Maud sent little blue bootees) & the other day Cec brought me a parcel home from Boris- the nice fellow we’ve had to dinner you know. Inside was a white knitted jacket & bootees & a note saying he whipped them up in his spare time! Actually he got his sister to make them, but wasn’t it sweet of him?

Your little jacket is the one I really like the best though – it looks so cute & sturdy & masculine!! Please thank Jeanie for me – I’ll try & write to her but goodness knows when. I’m getting quite a few letters with tender inquiries as to whether I got their parcels- A. Trixie for one! She sent a little white jacket for the baby- and- sssh!– it is sweet but so big Lindy has been wearing it!

Now for our hectic week! Well I told you what a bad cold & cough Charlie had when we brought him home. On Sat. he began sicking up his bottle- sometimes whoopsed the whole thing up- sometimes just a bit- sometimes he’d be sick just after I fed him – sometimes an hour or so afterwards. This went on all Sat. & Sun. so Mon. I called Dr. W. & he said it was just the coughing & cold & mucus on his tummy. Then on Mon. night Lindy cried out & here she had been sick all over. Poor little darling, when we put on the light & she saw it, she just said “Oh dear!” in such a pathetic little voice! She was sick 2 or 3 more times before she fell asleep again & again on Tues. morning after she had some milk so I called Dr. W. and he said it was probably the same thing caught from Charlie & most likely ‘flu. She just lay in bed listlessly & slept most of the day & by evening had a temperature of over 101˚, so Dr. W. came out & saw them both. He said after examining them that there were no complications- to keep Linda on a liquid diet & in bed. Next day her temp. was down & today is normal, but she was getting to the fractious stage! She had cereal & fruit today though & is really much better. Charlie seems better today too but has kept me on the hop the last two nights – coughing & sicking up etc. so it has all been very hectic. Cec has helped so much – stayed part of each morning etc. but I feel I have done nothing but wash sick babies – sick little clothes – sick floors & sick me! Oh – & make formula! Dr. W. says feed Charlie again when he sicks up, so sometimes he has twice as many bottles. Hasn’t sicked up today tho’ & we all feel much better. Love Cyn.

Dr. W. says Charlie must have caught a cold from baby next to him in Hosp. Only 3 in the little nursery but 1 of the babies came in with a cold.

Charlie’s operation scars are fine- don’t seem to bother him at all.

Crisis

As I said at the beginning of this project, when writing to one’s beloved mother, the writer wants her mother to be happy, so all troubles (colds, $$$, lodgers, broken-down cars) are lightly passed over and intimate problems (loneliness, depression) not shared- although Cyn did describe her aggravations and adventures and made them amusing. It follows, then, that when actual crises occur, Cyn is telling Carol after the event when the crisis has passed, and of course the letter takes at least a week to get to her. Only a happy event like a birth gets a telegram sent to the West Indies!

This is certainly true of January 1953. When the baby Charlie was a month old, he became quite ill and required emergency surgery, was hospitalized for a while, and Cyn had to stop breastfeeding him, which made her suffer severely too. While the Costain household must have been upset, starting with the doctor’s visit to the house (!!) and a drive to the hospital at once (Ottawa winter, snow, hospital across town, reluctant MacTavish- the doctor drove Cyn and the baby, and Cec followed once the car started), with emergency baby-sitting by the lodger, and a midnight operation; all followed by a special nurse for the first night, daily hospital visits, worries, money concerns, etc., letters went off to St. Vincent without a word about what they were going through- instead, the Christmas present list, and then a local clipping, and Linda’s vocabulary!- until two weeks later when Cyn sits down and explains what happened in an Air Mail in such frank detail that I am not including the letter! After that, there are only Air Letter forms for months, as Charlie came home from the hospital with flu caught from another sick baby and kindly shared it with the household, and required constant sterilized bottles and the making up of formula- such a curse, Cyn told her mother. Crisis over, daily life resumed, mother reassured as the letters continued through the winter describing the children and their behaviour, and how the curtains are finally being put up.

And Carol notes on the next letter about vomiting children “Things to tell Cyn- about Peter, about Margs, about African violets” so it is clear that she isn’t very worried and normal communication has resumed!

January 28 1953

I assume Cyn included this clipping with the “rest of the pictures” and was worried about the weight of the letter.

Wed. 28th Jan.

Dearest Mummy,

These are the rest of the pictures, so I won’t be able to write much. Thank you so much for your last letter of the 19th- I will get down to a proper answer to all your letters & blue crosses soon, but I am trying to write thank you letters gradually & it is taking all my energy!! Re. the pictures, I meant to tell you that Cec & I are sure that Linda remembers you- she repeats “G’annie” after us & keeps turning back to the to the pictures with you in again & again, & each time she looks she says “G’annie”. I don’t know if she realizes that it is she herself or not- she grins when we point & say “Linda” but looks as if she didn’t believe us! I didn’t realize until I saw those pictures how much her hair has changed since you saw her – it is long now – as long on her as mine is on me! – & beautifully curly! All around the sides & back & wavy on top- & we still put a bow at one side!

She looks very sweet & the long curly hair makes her look quite grown-up & not babyish. We are trying to take some pictures of Lindy & Charlie, but the weather is most uncooperative- dull & cloudy each weekend. It is cold & snowy – heavy fall last night & today – but very few of those sunny, clear cold days that we had last winter. Must stop now as I want to add a list of as much of Lindy’s vocabulary as I can remember, so that you will get some idea of how much she is talking. She will tell a story now, like “Daddy – car – snow. Bye-bye Daddy”!

Lots & lots of love from all of us – XXX from Lindy XXX from Charlie

Cyn

Cookie- Tea (loves it still)- Hot coffee- Spoon- Up-down- Hole- There!- Bam! (when she bumps herself) Bagoo (Pillow- don’t why!)- Thank you- Please- Mummy- Daddy- Dan- Nancy- Baby- Lee- Barry- Jim- Joanne (doll)- Tap- Water- Towel- Coat-coat- Boots- Mittens (m’ims)- Hat- Boy- Book- Bow-wow- Dirty- Donkey- More- Milk (That’s what she calls the Milkman)- Button- Man- Lady- Egg- Soup- Apple- Snow- Knee- Toe- Mole (she has a tiny one on her foot)- Up we go!- No-no- Soldier- sailor- (on her curtains)- penguin- birdie- bunny- lamb- cow- horsie- cat- Open- Meat- Potatoes (‘tatoes)- Refrigerator (‘rator!)- Store- ski- Upsidaisy!- Dinner- Plane- Sky- Can’t remember any more just now. She feeds herself entirely alone too & it is wonderful- I wash dishes & have my meals & she goes ahead eating beautifully!

In fact, I had always been told my first sentence was: “Dan, ski, up-si-daisy!” as I watched him from the window…

Christmas 1952

There were two events to be celebrated. The first was the birth of the baby, and a son at that, so that now they had one of each. Congratulations-such as ‘Clever girl’ on the telegram from her 5 Newcastle friends; best wishes; plants; and chocolates arrived at the hospital for Cyn.

When she and Charlie came home from hospital, and Cec and Linda returned from their stay at the Ganders, the Costains celebrated Christmas a bit late, and Cyn later sent her mother the usual list of the loot!

Cec, Cyn, & Lindy’s Christmas Presents 1952

From:

Grannie. You know!

Gunborg. Blanket holders– they are green plastic ducks & their beaks open on a spring & hold the blanket & then there are ribbons attached to tie it to the top of the crib. (We don’t need these now- she keeps under the covers nicely)

Coloured wooden toy shaped like this [see above] There are coloured wooden rings to fit over the post & she loves putting them on and off.

Dan. “Stripey to the Rescue”-a nice little book but a bit old for her, so I have put it away.

Wooden Build – a -Train – this is a dear little train which takes apart & puts together very simply & with big pieces. Linda quite can’t quite manage the building yet, so she can “unbuild” it very successfully! She pushes it along and says “Woo-hoo” like trains here do!

Amy etc. 3 woolie jackets for Charlie- all the same pattern as the ones she sent before – two little blue ones & one bigger white one with a blue edging. A white lamb for Lindy. She is quite fond of it but prefers her old pink bunny & the Teddy Dottie sent her – but on the whole she doesn’t bother with that kind of toy much.

Connie & Leonard– A scarf for Lindy – very nice & soft & warm – camel hair coloured. Illustrated for us – a year’s subscription I presume & am I embarrassed as we only sent a card!

Mrs. Allan – Hankies for Lindy- they are done up so cutely to look like a little folded umbrella.

Jessie & Norman – Panties for me – very pretty white ones with frills!

Diary for Cec.

Dress, cardigan & toys for Linda! The dress is a sweet little white silk one & fits her nicely now. It is quite plain except for a little embroidery on the skirt & has a little round colour & buttons down the front. The cardigan is just lovely – the prettiest one I’ve seen.

It is white with pale pastel pink, blue & green knitted in every few rows like those jumpers Anne made for me ages ago. It is a bit big which is nice too. The toys are really a little young for her but will come in nicely for Charlie- a rattle like a bird in a cage & a pink plastic phone which is a rattle two & a comb & ring in pink to match.

Miss Lefroy – “Animal ABC” for Lindy & a little book for me.

Irene – Diary for me.

Tie for Cec– dark red & gold – a bit startling I think but not too bad & Cec is wearing it!

Bib for Charlie.

Blue sandals for Lindy. These are rather sweet little things made of kind of plastic material but unfortunately are too small for her. She got so mad when we couldn’t get them on & tried to take them away – she howled & demanded them back & kept trying to put them on, so we had to make them disappear! Hope she will have forgotten them by the time Charlie gets them!

Nan. Play Balls– this is a clever toy to0- a stick on a stand & hollow coloured plastic balls which thread on it. This is a bit like Gunborg’s but more difficult so I put it away for a rainy day! Nan said in the letter that my present was coming with a little one for Charlie, but they haven’t arrived yet.

Granny & Grandpa Costain – Socks for Cec- nylon.

Gloves for me – very pretty white wool ones with a tiny bit of red embroidery with pearls! Writing paper for me too.

Panties for Linda – very sweet little pink ones with embroidery! Did I tell you Granny C. had also sent her a pair of white overalls to match her white corduroy coat & a sweet little lace trimmed bonnet? Two little bonnets really- a tiny one for the baby.

Margie, Cy etc. – Cigarettes for Cec.

Chocolates for me (in hospital)

Blocks for Linda – these are hollow square ones with pictures on, that fit inside each other.

Rattle for Charlie.

Mrs. Burrough– Plant for me (in hospital)-pretty African violet.

Dottie – Magazines for me- Vogue- Ladies Home Journal etc.

“One Upmanship” for Cec- a funny book

“Peter Rabbit” Hankie, Toothbrush Apron for Linda. Lindy just loves “Peter Rabbit”- she calls him “Petey” & he & “Baa-Baa” are her two favourites & I’m afraid are getting a little worn looking!! The apron is a little big, but sweet.

Auntie Muriel– Calendar for us all.

Bar– Brooch for me- pretty & small

Golliwog for Lindy- just tiny (about 4”) and made of pipe cleaners- has a red & yellow coat.

Til & Lois– Petticoat for Linda – so sweet & grown-up – white silk with lace edge & shoulder straps!!

Tile & ashtray for us a greeny-yellow pottery. Cec & I think they are rather horrid, but apparently C’Zelma does them & sells them.

Lu, Pete,etc. Panties for Lindy – just like Granny C’s but white!

Notepaper for me.

Crackles for Charlie.

Phyl Douglas– Notes for me (in hospital)

A Trix– White baby jacket for Charlie – very nice – a bit big & in fact Linda has been wearing it although the sleeves are short!

Lea, Wendy etc.- “Mother Goose”– a nice little nursery rhyme book with pretty pictures.

Mary & Bill Stuart– Dress & panties for Linda. These are really lovely- handmade by Mary of pale blue, white-dotted Dayella with white smocking – just right in size- maybe a little big.

Daddy & Lindy to Mummy.

Sweater – long sleeved, buttoned down the front- dark red with tiny white pearl buttons & very nice.

Nylons– goody-goody!

Slippers– I got these early to go into hospital. They are black quilted satin & are both elegant & lovely & comfy.

Cutting out scissors– a lovely pair from Singer’s.

Pulley Cec made for me in the basement. Did I tell you about it? He made it & fixed it up all as a surprise for me while I was in the hospital – wasn’t it perfectly sweet of him?

Mummy & Linda to Daddy–

Cigarettes box of 50

“Murder Must Advertise”

Wool scarf (grey) These were surprises!

2 Shirts- u.shorts & 3 prs socks he had to have & we got together!

Daddy & Mummy to Lindy –

Cleaning Set – Cec got this while I was in H. It is just cute- a little mop, carpet sweeper, broom, dustpan, hand mop & duster – also a tiny apron – so that she can help me clean! She loves them & carpet sweeps with great energy!

Rubber car with Donald Duck in.

Blocks made of wood with alphabet & pictures on.

Doggie playing a little xylophone which pulls along on a string and goes “plink-plonk”! She gets a lot of fun out of this & is just beginning to get the idea of pulling – she much preferred to push things at first but will do both now.

Dolly – a cloth doll with a rubber head about 1 1/2 feet long – it is a boy doll in blue pyjamas & she has him in bed with her. Before Christmas she seemed crazy for “babies” but now she seems to like her wooden toys more. [I always thought, after I started reading Dr. Spock at the age of 8 or so, that this doll, Tommy, was psychological genius on my parents’ part. Tommy was about the size of my brother, so not only did I now have cleaning tools to help my mother, I also had a baby to dress and cuddle and put to bed.]

Musical book – this is a musical box in the form of a book with the story & pictures in the front. We chose “Mary had a little lamb” & think it is lovely- Lindy is a bit doubtful! she can’t quite turn the handle yet.

Lee, Jim, & Barry– Wooden toy to pull – it has a little bell & tinkles as she pulls it.

I think that is all! Aren’t we all lucky? Particularly our little daughter! Poor little Charlie didn’t get anything from Mummy and Daddy you’ll notice, but we’ll make up for it later!

Still with a King George VI stamp, although he’d died in February.

December 25 1952

Christmas Day

Dearest Mummy,

Just a short letter on Christmas Day to tell you that Charlie & I are both doing beautifully & feeling so well that we are practically bouncing. I didn’t mind being here for Christmas at all really, & the hospital has certainly try to make everything just as nice as possible. The little student nurses all got up at 5.0 a.m. & came around & sang carols- on our floor they sang “Oh Little Town of Bethlehem” “Away in a Manger” & “Holy Night” & afterwards they told us that the night nurses had fixed up a little nativity scene & got one of the real little babies & put him in the manger & he just lay & slept there quite peacefully while the girls sang. I have such a nice girl in the next bed to me (a room like A.A.- just 4 beds) & she had a radio so this morning while we were washing ourselves in bed & feeding our babes we listened to the “Round the World” broadcast from London & then the Queen. Of course I lay & wept heartily & thoroughly enjoyed myself!

We had our Christmas Dinner at noon & the trays looked so pretty. A little Christmas tree decorated with stars & candy at the bottom on each one, & our names on a fancy card & a little Menu & gay napkin. We had turkey & plum pudding & all the trimmings & this evening for supper we had ham & Christmas cake & even a tangerine & grapes & a cracker.

Cec came in this afternoon & told me all the fun of Lindy opening her presents – I had just 2 here- a pair of nylons from Cec & a lovely dark red long sleeved sweater from Lindy. We are going home tomorrow afternoon, so will open all the rest then – Cec has a tree all ready for us, so it will be another Christmas all over! Thank you for your lovely Christmassy cable – we are all thinking of you & send love & kisses

Cyn.

Another Baby!

21st Dec. 1952

Dearest Mummy,

By now you will know the little old Algy snuck up on us & arrived early! And if I thought Linda was a funny looking little baby, I should have seen this one first!! He is quite the wierdest little fellow I ever saw!! He was 7 lbs. 6 oz. at birth & unlike Lindy, was like a little boiled lobster & still is very red & angry looking. He has lots of dark hair too, but it is like a bristly crew cut & his little face is all scrunched up!

Aren’t we clever having a boy? He is to be Charlie as we couldn’t think of anything better! Actually, it was in the car going to the hospital that we decided, so you can see how long the discussing lasted! If it was a girl we thought of Cynthia Clare, but we can store that one up!

On that morning I got up & felt fine, but a bit odd & a sort of pressure on the bottom of my tummy, but there was no show or anything. Cec went off to work & Lindy & I did the usual chores- I had had the cleaning woman & she was marvellous & had cleaned through the whole house, so I felt very pleased. I began to get funny pains & odd feelings during the morning, but couldn’t decide if it was anything or not. However I didn’t go shopping to Joanisse as I had planned & when I put Lindy to bed & had my lunch I began timing the feelings & found that they were coming regularly. So I dashed & had a bath & washed my hair!! Wrote notes for the milkman etc. packed my case, Lindy’s case, & Algy’s case (all ready except for last minute things really) & then phoned Cec. He was in a Seminar & of course everyone knew why he had to get up & leave! All afternoon the pains were irregular & I sat & ironed shirts & Cec & I had a nice chat & cups of tea! I called Dr. S. & the nurse said she tell him but didn’t think there was any hurry. He called about 6 & the pains were regular & he said to go in about an hour. We put Lindy to bed & Cy came over & baby sat & Cec took me to the Hospital.

He had to just leave me there- not allowed to stay- & I got going very quickly. Not as nice as last time – I know lots more about labour pains & nothing about what happened at the birth- was just flat out. They woke me & told me it was a boy & I just looked vaguely at the little bundle & went to sleep again. Cec came (the babe was born at 11.0 p.m.) about 12:30 & saw us both. I am feeling fine – stitches a bit sore, but no tail trouble this time, thank goodness. Was up this morning for a little. Cec says Lindy is having a grand time with Barrie. Lots of love from Cyn & the grandson!

December 9 1952

14 pages- the last long one for a while!

31 Acacia Avenue. Ottawa. Ont.

Tues. 9th Dec.

Dearest Mummy,

Your parcels arrived yesterday- no duty to pay – all safe & sound & causing much excitement! I put away the one addressed to me, but of course as soon as Cec came home, we had to investigate the other one & make sure that it was all right & that the contents hadn’t gone bad or anything! Actually we waited until later in the evening to have a “taster”, & I had some lime juice & we mixed up a drink & ask Dan down to share it & we all thought it was wonderful & slept like tops! Cec is just delighted at the 2 great big bottles & we are so tickled at getting it all “for nothing”, as it were- thank you very, very much, Mummy – you can just imagine what fun we will have with it. Auntie Muriel’s calendar came too, but I didn’t open it – I have quite an assortment of parcels put away already & have decided to wait to open them – it is so much more fun than just opening them as they come & even if it is a little before or after Christmas, I’d rather sit around the Christmas tree & do it in style!

You will be glad to hear that we are all organized for the event- at last! Actually, we have been waiting to make final arrangements with Lee & Jim, as they had asked Linda & Cec earlier you remember, but we hadn’t seen them for a while & didn’t know if their plans had maybe changed. Lu & Pete also said they would be very pleased to have them, but Lindy is so happy with Lee & Barry that I thought it would be best if she went there, but actually if Jim’s mother comes from Toronto for Christmas (which is doubtful) Cec can go and sleep at Lu & Pete’s as it is just across the way- 100 yds or so. When I go into hospital, Cec will take Lindy over there & her cot & as it is very near the hospital it will be very convenient- much more so than here. We have broken the news to Dan that he is to be abandoned, but I will leave food in the fridge & he is agreeable to looking after himself. Cec will come in every day & fix the furnace etc. When we all come back home after the event, we had thought of having a “housekeeper” – they are women you can get through the Nursing Registry, who will come every day & look after the house, cooking, “light housework” etc. while you look after the baby. I had even phoned & made arrangements about it, then Cec & I began talking & considering that he still has a lot of leave to take- also that he will get from Wed. till Mon. on both Christmas & New Year & what a lot of other help we could get for much less than the $4.50 a day we’d have to pay this woman – & we’d only be able to have her for a week or so. So we are not having her after all. Cec is going to take time off work; we are having diaper service- $2.00 a week- beginning for Lindy when she is at Lee’s; I’ll send Cec’s shirts to the laundry; & last but not least, I think Phyl Douglas is going to let me have her cleaning woman for a day every 2 weeks ($5.00 the day). Phyl & I just talked about the latter yesterday – I hadn’t intended to have anyone regularly, but thought it would be nice to have someone for an odd day before I went to hospital & once or twice when I came back & asked Phyl if she knew of anyone, & Phyl said well she was just deciding she couldn’t afford her woman every week & how about sharing – so of course I said it would be wonderful for a while anyway, although I hadn’t intended to have anyone permanently, but Cec says we can see how we manage anyway & at least have her for a month or so. Phyl is to talk to her & let me know, so hasn’t that all arranged itself nicely for me? I feel very happy about the whole thing because I think Lindy will be more contented at Lee’s than anywhere & Cec will be there too if it is over Christmas, & when we get home I think having Cec here & no stranger in the house will be much more fun & will help Lindy to get used to the baby more quickly too. Did I tell you that she pats my tummy & says “Algee- Algee”!! One morning I went into her just in my nightie & she was patting the bulge & I said “That’s Algy” & she immediately repeated “Algee” & has remembered it ever since!

It seems ages since I told you of our activities & giddy social whirl!! It has now ceased, as I decided about a week ago that going out etc. really wasn’t worth it now, as I was uncomfy nearly all the time & felt tired out next day, so we have refused invitations from the Ramseys, June & George & Margie & Cy, & I am just sitting at home & enjoying it- with lots to do, too! What with appointments with Dr. Smith every other week (I go again tomorrow) & Dr. Flora about every week, we have been kept pretty busy anyway, but thank goodness I am through with Dr. F. for a while – I now have my falsies!! Since my bad “do” I have been to him 3 times- once to get the impression taken & I was sick all over him! He’ll be glad to get rid of me too! Actually that is a great exaggeration – I was sick into the little dish, not all over him, but you know when they are taking the impression all that gloggy stuff oozes into your mouth & down your throat & he keeps sticking his fingers down & pulling it out – well – I just neatly sicked up my lunch! However, the impression was o.k. & I felt fine (!) & the next ap’tment was just a minute while he stuck the bar affair in to see if it fit it. On Sat. Dr. F. said for Cec to bring me- taking no chances! – & he just whoopsed out the 2 front teeth & stuck the others in. The extractions were both easy- the abscess came right out on the root of one- & the other teeth just sort of clipped in. There is no palate part- only a thin metal bar across the roof of my mouth & the teeth have two little metal clips at the side to hold them in place. Of course it felt wierd to begin with – particularly all stiff lipped with injections – but it was really amazing how they fit in perfectly at once & I have worn them all the time since with no real discomfort. I know it will take a while to get used to the sensation of always having something in my mouth, but already I don’t find eating too difficult, although I have to concentrate on it! They look pretty good I think too, & Cec says he wouldn’t know the difference. I mustn’t forget- Dr. Flora asked to be remembered to you & also Mrs. Richer when I went over to get a letter the other day!

Now back to our social activities! About a month ago I think we had Pete & Lu over & I don’t believe I told you about it. We had asked them when they 1st arrived in Ottawa but at the beginning they were busy, then we were tied up with the party & so it got postponed. Well, we finally arranged this weekend & as they live so far away & have no car & didn’t have a babysitter for Leslie either, we said for them to come & spend the night. Cec brought them over about 4.0 or soon after & then when Lindy was in bed we had dinner – I had got a lovely big roasting chicken- a capon- about 7 lbs.- & stuffed it etc. & we had roast potatoes & green beans & carrots & cranberry sauce & gravy & then coconut cream pie to fall out. Everyone was ravenous, because of course my entertaining & conversations made dinner later & later & so everyone really enjoyed it & tucked in – only enough left for Cec & I to scratch one other meal, but we had nice soup! Cec & Pete washed up & then Margie & Cy came over about 8:30- 9 & we had drinks & a grand time. It was the first time the 5 of them had all been together since the old days in Saskatoon, so they all thoroughly enjoyed it & so did I – it was a really successful evening. Next morning we all got up anyhow & put the children to rest about 12, & then they left about 3 or so after we all had a coffee & sandwich lunch – very informal! It was very nice though & they were grand visitors – the kind who do all the washing up & keep telling the hostess to go & sit down! Just after they’d gone, there was a ring at the bell & this was Mr. & Mrs. Burrough – but not to come in – just to give me a little parcel! Which turned out to be a dear little blue jacket she had knitted for Algy! They really are overwhelmingly kind – in some ways she reminds me a bit of Bella, but without Bella’s deliberate way,- she chatters more & is a bit sillier too, I think!! She’s very self-depreciating & doesn’t think anything she does is any good, but everything Betty & “Father” do is wonderful! He is a nice little man – very intelligent & most interesting to talk to- has lots of hobbies like wood carving, leather work etc. & is interested in Chinese lacquer work & so on, but usually with Lindy there & Mrs. B. & I chattering, he doesn’t get much chance! The blue jacket was Algy’s first present, but Amy is sending me 3, & yours & Jeanie’s will be wonderful. I have knitted nothing, but some of Lindy’s are still fine & I have bought some Viyella & cut out 2 jackets from A. Trixie’s, so he’s not going to do too badly, poor little fella – it would really be rather a shame if he had all hand- me-downs!! By the way, I had a card from Jeanie & Al Stern in Ann Arbour & they have a son- Bradford Allen. It is a cute card – a very pleased looking stork on the front saying “I did it & I’m glad”!

The week after Pete & Lu’s visit I had a horrible cold & did nothing except slept in the afternoons & get all behind with the work. However, I blessed it in one way- on Mon. Mrs. Hughes rang up & invited me to tea next day, so I accepted & she said bring Linda & come about 3 or 3:30, so that was fine. On Tues. I was feeling lousy though so I called her & told her I’d better put it off I was so sneezy etc. but she kept protesting she didn’t mind until it turned out that it was a real pukka tea party with about 6 or 8 ladies coming! At that, I really said no firmly- imagine me – in my condition! Nothing decent to wear as I really bulge now! – a sniffly cold in my head – & trying to look after Lindy amongst all those strange women – all probably very elegant! I was so glad to get out of it!!

The following Friday Pete & Lu had asked us & the Garretts to a late (7:30) dinner, so that all the children would be in bed, so we set out in good time (Dan stayed in for us) – & about halfway there stopped for Cec & Cy to get cigarettes & MacTavish wouldn’t start again! It was a damp rainy night, & although we were right opposite a Service Station they just sold petrol & couldn’t help at all. It ended by Cec having to phone a garage & they came & towed us there & then found it was more than just a flat battery & we’d have to leave it, so we had to phone then for a taxi. Of course Pete & Lu have no phone yet, so we couldn’t let them know & we arrived at 10 to 9!! Lu had gone out & phoned our house at about 8:30 & Dan had said we’d left soon after 7, so she just about fell on our necks, she was so glad to see us! Fortunately her dinner was one that didn’t spoil & was delicious. We had cocktails first, then served ourselves buffet style to casseroled meat balls cooked in a sort of Mexican way with green peppers & beans, & hot garlic bread & tossed salad, then afterwards meringues with ice cream & then coffee – not to mention white wine with dinner & cherry brandy afterwards – I was popping! We had a taxi home & Cec got the car the next day- we were just thankful it hadn’t happened at a more awkward time- going to the hospital, for instance!!

On a Sunday we had Mr. & Mrs. Burroughs to tea- she, sure it was too much for me! Apparently, she had a son after Betty who only lived a few hours, so she is very jittery, but she had to have Caesareans in both cases & the 2nd one was at 8 months & after it they sterilized her, so she mustn’t have been made the right way!

The following Sat. I left Linda with Cec & did a little Christmas shopping- mostly little books & bibs etc. for all the children. I thought after sending the girls stockings (in McCall’s magazines) I would have no parcels but of course ended with quite a few. I sent Ruth her “dish” & a white organdie apron & my father a mixed food parcel & a tin of sweet biscuits. In the evening we went over to Angie & Paul Routly’s, & they had another couple who had had to bring their little 4 mths baby son with them. He was the funniest looking little fellow- wouldn’t settle very well, so spent most of the evening with us!

Next morning Cec got up to Linda as the Sunday usual, & then suddenly felt awful- was violently sick & had diarrhoea & felt wretched. It continued practically all day & we decided that it must be stomach flu which is going around because he had nothing to eat or drink that I hadn’t had & other people have had this sudden flu bug too. He stayed at home on Mon. & that felt very tired & washed out & looked pretty wretched, & on Tues. morning he got up at & looked after Linda & let me sleep as I felt rather worn too after a late Sat. night and no extra sleep on Sunday! However he went to work in the afternoon & although he felt very tired for a while & nothing tasted good to him, he is fine again now & fortunately Lindy & I didn’t show any signs of catching the germ.

On Wed. evening Jim & Lee came over & we had a hand of bridge- the first for ages! They brought Barry as they had no sitter & he slept quite happily in our bed. Their car broke down on the way, this time, but they were able to let us know & Cec took them home. Lee brought the machine & I am longing to get on with making the curtains, but so many things keep cropping up. Last week I at last managed to make up & get off all the parcels to England- when they’ll get there, goodness knows! – & – don’t collapse – your old clothes parcel too! I put in gelatine; 2 dish cloths; 1 sponge which I find is grand to use instead of a dish cloth- for washing up, wiping up etc.; my old junk jewelry, & a present for you from Lindy in the toe of one shoe!! I couldn’t get the white shoe cleaner at Joanisse & was in a hurry then, so left it. On Sunday Cec helped me measure & cut all the curtains & linings, so I am all ready to tack & sew now, but tonight I just have to send Christmas cards or they’ll never get there, so the poor curtains must wait. Each weekend I feel I’ll get so much done, but most of my visits to Dr. F. have been on the Sat. a.m. & afterwards I have been finished for the day & not much up to much on Sunday either. I have been resting a lot when Linda does too in the p.m. as I felt tired & uncomfy last week, but I had a good rest on Sunday & feel fine this week. I cleaned well yesterday & washed the kitchen floor & ironed in the evening, then washed this morning, so feel I’ve really got on- it gets me down a bit when I see it piling up! Last time I went to Dr. S. my feet were swelling a bit & he told me to try & keep off salt, but they have been much better lately- less than 2 weeks now- my-my! As you can imagine, we are still wrangling about names!!

We got your letter of 1st Dec. on Friday & thank you so much- I am hoping to have a really good do answering them all in a hospital – am I optimistic?! I didn’t write properly last week, but sent a sea mail with odds & ends of material patterns and Ruth’s letter etc. that I had been meaning to send you.

I have already posted the material samples as she wrote about them, but this was in the sea mail too.

By the way Cec got official word of his promotion- due on 1st Jan. & a raise of $500.00 a year – isn’t that lovely? We have really been so hard up lately- paying off the extra furniture (all done now) & $100.00 for winter fuel & insurances coming up, as well as the fact that Dan’s room didn’t begin to pay off for a while, but now we feel we are getting ahead & should do fine. I said to Cec little while ago “Well honey, we’re getting around the corner” & he said “Yes & what did we find there? Another little baby”!!

I wonder if Peggy has had her “little” baby yet- if so I hope all is well & that she is fine – & rejoicing in a flat tummy. Dr.S. seems to think I’ll be up-to-date & says Christmas in hospital for me, so I’ve got used to the idea – & I really would hate to hang on & on & not know when I was going or if to get a Christmas dinner ready or not. I am so glad that you are all going to Jeanie’s & hope you will all have a grand time. You sound very Christmassy decorating the store windows etc. – I haven’t a vestige of the Christmas spirit yet – my mind on other things I guess!! But we have decided we must have a tree, & we are taking Lindy shopping one morning. She fell in love with a horrible stuffed doll with purple hair in Dube’s the other day & I could hardly drag her away!

I was so shattered & sorry to hear from you about Oliver’s sudden death – it is terrible & must have been such a shock as he was such a big strong looking man. Marjorie will be coming home I suppose & will live in N/C eventually, but what a tragic lot of things has happened in that family. I owe Dottie – & just about everyone – letters, so that is another thing to do.

I must stop now – it is 4:15 & I have the kitchen door shut, so haven’t heard a squeak from Lindy, but I am sure she must be awake. She sends a great big Christmas hug & a wet kiss & lick to Granny- we will all be thinking of you & let you know the news as soon as possible-

Lots & lots of love from Cec & me & a happy, happy Christmas – Cyn

Love to the family

XXX

From Linda

November 23 1952

31 Acacia Ave., Ottawa

Sunday 23rd Nov.

Dearest Mummy,

Thank you so much for your nice long letter which came on Friday, postmarked the 17th. Also for your last week’s letter – of which I have only received 1/2 as yet! If you remember, you must have written 2 Air M. forms- anyway one arrived on the Sat. I think, postmarked the 8th & with “No. 2” written on, so with great self-restraint I kept it till Mon. being sure the 1st half would arrive then, but it never has- not even on Fri. with this week’s mail, so it is most annoying! Needless to say, I broke down & opened the one I did get long ago, but there was the unsatisfactory feeling of just reading the end of a book!

Last week I was so busy telling you of Dr. Flora’s cruelty & Cec’s promotion that I hadn’t room to tell you much else. Anyway, I sent off the batteries about 10 days or 2 weeks ago- 2 large & 12 small- & I sent them by letter mail & wrote on “Gift” so hope that you won’t have to pay too much duty if any. I am sorry that I was so long in sending them, but at first I didn’t realize you needed them so urgently & then at the moment time just doesn’t seem to mean a thing to me – it just flies by so quickly. For me to get to Bank St. nowadays is quite a journey, so I rang up the Zenith people, & at first found both Mr. Pridhams away, but when they came back they were most obliging & chatty. They have no means of delivery, so they had to mail them to me & I just re-addressed the package & sent it onto you. I also mailed a couple of newspapers or so & will send more & will also promise most faithfully to send the parcel this week. I hung onto it recently thinking I would put your Christmas present in, but Cec & I were talking about it & we have decided to send you a subscription to the Canadian magazine “Maclean’s” instead of a regular present. We intended to send Sat. Evening Post but the mail charges on that are as much as the cost of the magazine so we have chosen the Canadian magazine which is the same type- it comes every 2 weeks & we hope you will like it. Christmas shopping for me this year is just about out I think- to begin with, Lindy is too small to trail around stores – to take her downtown & buy one thing & then come home is all right, but she gets tired very quickly & even if Cec were to keep her on Sat. & let me go down town alone, I really don’t feel much like coping with Christmas crowds. I have decided to send all the girls nylons which I can order over the phone from a store, & I have already got a pair of little red velvet overalls for Irene’s Stephen,

& when I send Dottie the cheque for the curtain material I sent her one for Peter & her to buy something for their birthdays & she insisted it would do for Christmas too, so that only really leaves Sandy & Ruth & the latter will get her “porridge dish”! When the famous curtain material comes (Dottie wrote that she sent it around the beginning of this month) Lee says I may borrow her machine again & I would like to make Linda a little dressing gown for Christmas, but I will have to see how much time I have. We will have to buy her more slippers- you would laugh if you saw the little dirty scuffed up fellows which are the smart red slippers you left her for her birthday! She can still get them on – just – but by Christmas she will certainly need more. The Sheedy’s white boots were a little smaller than the red ones we got her here – I don’t know if the English sizes are different for children shoes or not- anyway she wore them for a while & as they had rubber soles they were fine for not slipping when she was still unsteady, but now I have put them away as I was afraid they may be stubbing her toes & she wears her “Jumping Jacks” all the time & is as firm as a little rock on her feet.

Before I tell you of our activities I must answer your B.P.Xs & also ask you to say thank you so much to Jeannie for the little jacket pattern – maybe I’ll get one made in hospital – I certainly don’t seem to have 1/2 a minute here now! Anyway, despite all the chores & busyness etc. I feel fine & so does Algy! I am sure that it is a good thing to be busy & occupied instead of sitting around thinking of your symptoms like Peggy, because I truly don’t have time to worry or bother – even if I were the worrying kind!!- & the time has really gone so quickly that it hasn’t been a trial at all. Of course I am uncomfortable at times & my tum feels like a cannon ball! – also I get heartburn & cramp in my leg etc. once in a while, but after all you expect those things!

I went to the Dr. last week & was so pleased – I lost 2 pounds after my bad tooth do, so it was worth something. Dr. Smith says I am doing fine – he says he thinks Algy will be about 8 pounds & I certainly feel as if I were bigger than I was with Linda & my clothes feel more stretched!! He says he thinks Algy will be a boy & when I asked “Why” he laughed & said “Well, I must admit for no very good reason!” My feet don’t swell as much as they did in the hot weather – only when I have been on them a lot, but at the moment I am feeling the heat!! The weather has been grey, dull, wet & comparatively mild & I just swelter– poor Cec gets the house nice & comfortably warm & I think I am roasting! I am sorry Peggy is having such an uncomfortable time – I know just how she feels because particularly if I am out at someone’s house or we have people in & I get stuck in one chair, I get so cramped & stiff, & if she has had to have the baby moved so much maybe he hasn’t settled in a nice relaxed position! I hope all goes well with her & that she gets it over with soon – a month from now we should know if we have Algy or Algina!! We haven’t decided on any names yet & have no inspiration. The other morning I went into Linda just in my nightie & she leaned out of her crib & patted my tummy so I said “That is Algy“ so now she says Algy & pats my tummy & seems to quite understand that Algy is a baby – such a clever girl!

Thank you very much for all your hard work over the linen bedspread for me – I would very much like to have it made into sheets for Linda’s bed – the flannel that ones are all wearing & she sticks her little finger in any little slit & says “Hole”! So far she hasn’t managed to make any of the holes bigger, but she will I expect! The mattress size is exactly so there should be at least allowed for tucking in, so you can decide how to divide the b’spread up. In the New Year I will have to get some more sheets anyway I think- a double & a single pair as I am just using week & week about now, so I think it is best to use yours for Lindy’s bed.

I forgot to tell you- Lindy is getting her big teeth at the back. The first one came through with no trouble – we knew nothing about it till the day I first went to the dentist, I came home & Cec told me she had yelled & he had seen it – so I was losing them & she was getting them! Now she is getting the left lower one- (the other was right lower) & it looks very swollen & sore (just one point through) & she is a bit fretty, poor little lamb. Also I had a horrid cold this week & now I am better she is a bit snuffly, so that may be making her a bit miserable too, but she is really a good little girl compared to what you hear with some children & their teeth. She still only has 2 lower front ones, but has a bite like a little crocodile! She is very dribbling & chewy-fisty at the moment, so it is obvious they are bothering her, but I hope it will be over soon. Last week it rained for about 3 days solid & she couldn’t go out, so you can imagine how much Mama got done around the house! – also having a cold & now I do try & sleep each afternoon when she sleeps, so the ironing is piling up again – darn it! Today was lovely though, so hope it continues. Must stop now & will tell you our doings in my next- also plan to write by sea one day & answer all your letters again. Hugs & kisses from Lindy & lots of love from Cec & Me.

November 14 1952

14th Nov. 1952.

Dearest Mummy,

I was going to do so many things last night – write you a long letter; do some ironing; fix the plants – then when Cec was down stoking the furnace, he found Mrs. Graham doing hers & during a conversation through the hole in the wall she told him that Quiller was away so she was alone etc. Of course, he said to come in & have a chat with us, so she said she’d be delighted & would come right away! Eventually she came (all glamoured up!) & had a glass of sherry & TALKED! Cec & I couldn’t get in a word edgewise & when she finally left we fell back exhausted with our tongues out, panting!! All of interest to tell you really, is that Jane has a job in television in Toronto & that so far they have nothing done about moving- “Quiller is so-o-o slow”! We had a very brief call from our new landlord the other day, by the way – he is French & seems O.K. – will move into Graham’s house when they leave- they had 6 mths. notice.

So. I didn’t get anything done I meant, except that I ironed Cec one shirt for today & did the plants as I had soil etc. all over – they are all flourishing & I had three little begonia slips with roots to plant & one philodendron, & I put some new soil on some of the others etc. The fuchsia is flourishing greenly with no flowers, but perhaps this is its off-season! I was glad to hear Mrs. Costain was doing so nicely. [Her namesake rosebush in St. Vincent.]

Since I wrote last week we have done nothing except on Sat a.m. I paid another visit to Dr. Flora and he was so cruel to me! He decided to take out another bicuspid on the other upper side & then after much deliberation also to take out a big molar beside the 2 he taken out last week- leaving the two abscessed front ones to be whoopsed out when he had the plate ready. Well, the smaller tooth came out after a bit of a struggle, but the big one! He pulled & pulled & heaved & yanked & it creaked & cracked & bled until we were both exhausted. Finally, after 5 or 6 attempts it came out, leaving a broken root behind which he then had to dig for. He said that he hardly remembered having such a bad extraction & was most upset & he & the nurse hovered over me as if expecting me to produce at any moment!! Actually, me nerves were all shattered & I had quite a little weep in the car before I drove home, but it was so nice having Cec there & he put me to bed & by teatime I felt better. My face & even my eyes were all swollen & it wasn’t really till about Wed. that I got over feeling a bit nervy & weepy & of course sore places on both sides so eating is no pleasure! However! He told me it would cost $115.00 which made me feel ten times worse, but, that very same day my Income Tax return from the U.S. which I’d got tired of waiting for arrived – $126.00- I was so happy! Also, yesterday Dr. Herzberg told Cec that he is to get a big promotion with a substantial increase, so we are blissful! Isn’t it lovely? Will write properly soon again. Lindy is fine and sends xxx Love from Cyn.

November 3 1952

3rd. Nov. 1952

Dearest Mummy,

All last week I kept thinking “I must write an A.M. to Mummy,” but we were literally busy every minute with party preparations, and being the first week for our lodger & the last week for having Lee’s sewing machine just completed the busy-ness!

Well, the party is over & was a great success! Everyone said what a wonderful time they had & raved about the food & complimented me till my head was practically the size of my waist-line!! It was a lot of work & I’m glad it is over because on top of housework & looking after Linda it was plenty, but I’m glad that we were able to do it because Phyl & Alec have been very kind to us & the whole Spectroscopy group is so nice. It was a huge surprise to Phyl & Alec & they were quite overwhelmed – they gave them an electric kettle & Phyl a corsage of baby white chrysanthemums & I got a corsage too! I would tell you more about it but these forms are so small that I had better stop & maybe give you more details in a sea letter sometime.

The weekend before the party, on the Sat. Cec & Linda & I went down & bought Hallowe’en decorations & candy etc. in town & had quite a good time, then on Sunday we had been invited to Mr. and Mrs. Burrough’s to dinner. Dan also moved in that Sunday morning, so it was a busy day! We went to the B’s about 4 & had a very nice dinner of roast chicken. They are terribly kind & just falling over themselves to amuse Lindy etc.. I dressed her in the little red tartan dress that Gunborg sent for her birthday as all her little summer dresses are too short now, & she was so pleased & proud of herself & looked so grown up. She walks all the time now- hardly crawls at all – & has began to say “Mummee” & “Daddee”- it is so sweet to hear her. Mrs. B. had borrowed a high chair for her, so I fed her her supper as we had ours & then she chewed a piece of chicken! She was very good & just began to get tired about 7.0, so we said goodbye & left.

Mon. I did my week’s wash & Tues. all the ironing & got that out of the way & then the rest of the week I washed china, cleaned silver, cooked, etc. etc.! I made the cover for the daybed & we had that down for the party to give more seating space, & it looks quite nice.

On Sat.- the morning after the party I had a dentist appointment at 9:30! Wasn’t that awful?! However, Lindy had me up of course, & after the party was over, when I was sound asleep Cec had stacked & tidied everything & washed the silver & glass, so when I came down in the morning all the chaos was gone! Wasn’t he wonderful? Dr. Flora took out 2 teeth (upper side) & will take out the front ones next, but will give me a plate at once, so that I don’t have to go toothless! He didn’t hurt & they have healed well. We washed up all day Sat.- bit by bit! – & on Sun. returned all borrowed goods – including the machine. Today I have felt more tired, but reaction I expect & Cec is chasing me to bed now. Thanks lots for A.M. of 27th- will really answer letters next. Lots of love & a big wet kiss from Lindy-

from Cyn.