Miniota Man Dec 30th 1914 Dear Sister I received your letter this morning so as I am all alone to night I will write a few lines to let you know that I am still alive and well, hoping this finds you all the same. I have joined the army now. I start training on Tuesday, do you remember T McCheyne1 our cousin he has joined the second contingent and is training in Winnipeg just now. I don't suppose you would know John McGibney2 of Kirkinner he is a cousin of Tom, well, him and I have joined the third contingent but I think it will be quite a while before we get into the firing line. I had a letter from Maggie and she said you had another little boy3, I don't know whether I answered her last letter or not but I suppose it can't be helped whether I did or not for all she can do is to write a few words on a paper and words won't raise blisters, we have been having a fairly good Winter out here so far there is not very much snow, it has been very cold some days, just about as cold as I want to be driving in. I went into town one day before Christmas and I nearly got the tips of my fingers frozen, they were so cold I could not hold the horse, and when I got into the stable they started to get a feeling in them as though they were being burned. I think it was worse than being cold, but however there is nothing the matter with them. I think that is about all the news that I have this time. I remain Your loving brother Alex Pte Alex McCheyne will get me Armoury Virden Man Canada