14. Pa sends his love and says he will write next time

Elsinore

Nov 11 1017

My Dearest Norman

Another Sunday and another letter, but I am pleased to say that I have had another letter from you. 

I had one last Monday from the Panama. I think where you were enjoying yourself at the YMCA. How long did you stop there? It must indeed be a change for you dear boy to see land after seeing water for so long. I can just imagine your feelings. I suppose you could hardly walk when you got on land. I don't think you could have been sick on the way for you seem to have enjoyed the trip. How was the last part? As nice as the first? I am sure the Panama Canal must be a grand place Dear Norm from the look of the views you sent. You never said anything in your letter about sending it to me. I have put your bond in the bank. Mr Manning said it would be the safest place.

You will see by the Parish paper that this is the Children's Day and we had to decorate the church, at least I did., for their was only Molly Manning and I there, not another soul turned up.yes, the two little Higgin's boys, I mustn't forget them. Mr M was called away somewhere, said he wouldn't be long but it was all done when he came back. Mr Somebody else came in later in the morning and then Mr Day came so I got him onto Mr Manning's work, you know      ... around the woodwork and between the two of them finished it. There was a wedding at 6 o'clock so all had to be cleared out by then. You know the feeling there, everything left to the willing ones.

Have you seen many of the boys there since you landed? I think Foster? Harvison is going to the front. He went to work out at the Aerial Machines. Have you found out anything about Charlie Cox or young Dave Borthwick? Have you seen Charlie Palmer yet? I hear young I forget his name now. you know the young fellow that used to go with Emmie Palmer, Charlie Frissell? just recalled  it.. is killed too. There was a young soldier at Church this morning with young Brooks who went up same as you did and Mr Manning had a prayer for him.I suppose he is going this week.

I suppose you forgot the 5th of November this time dear Norman [father's birthday]. I  don't forget the 20th of next month dear boy, but couldn't send you anything. Will keep it till you get home.I sent Mr Gooud a tie. I forgot when his birthday is, sometime this month, isn't it, and little Bert, he is fine again now..is coming down next month on his holidays. I wonder what sort of Xmas dinner you will be having this Xmas, a very grand one I expect in the Old Country.I hope you have next one at home. 

Pa and I went down to Manly last week to see Maggie, but when we went there she was up at Florries? at Rockdale. Just Ethel and George were there. They have taken two rooms off her for a month just for a change by the sea and it will help her a little. They have not sold Hazeldean yet. There is some dispute about the wall, it is an inch and a half on the neighbour's ground. So I don't know how it will be. A pity Arthur did not have the house sold before he died. 

Well, I think I have given you all the news I can think of now my dear son. I hope you are well and enjoying good health. Pa sends his love and says he will write next time. The girls all say they have had letters from you and have all written to you, so you will have enough letters. I don't hear anything of Archie B.... I don't think he is back yet. Illma and her family are well when last heard and Pa and I are well, only my legs seem young?, well good bye my darling Son and believe me ...your loving Mother.