The Arduous Task of Settlement

[Woman sitting and writing in journal]

In her early notes, Anne describes how arduous the work was and how scarce any supplies were. [Anne’s pencil sketch of fireplace side of John’s cabin] To even maintain heat in the newly constructed cabin, it took two trees per day, [Video of wood pile]  dragged out of the woods by oxen. Often, on the coldest of days, [Anne’s pencil sketch of family by fire in cabin] the family huddled in the kitchen by the stove.

It is my comfort when sadly starved to think that this coming season… has always appeared to me to be the worst [looking out window at snowfall] when once there is no possibility of being too warm, [image of snow in cedar trees] then there is a chance of being warm enough. [Anne’s coloured sketch of John dressed as a Woodsman]  

And also,

I am sometimes reminded of my early years and companionship with boys only; perhaps you would think my feminine manners in danger [man chopping wood] if you were to see me steering a boat.  [Anne’s pencil sketch of kitchen side of room in John’s cabin] or handling the ropes when sailing; but don’t be alarmed – my woman avocations will always counterbalance them.”