December 21, 1906

Commencing a new diary book on the shortest day of the year offers a rat­her propitious opportunity for becoming Hallish and philosophising a little.

The first part of the winter has passed rather pleasantly but quickly and not unprofitably. It has not been noticeably colder out-doors than in Dakota and the Husky houses are comfortable – free from odors of any very pronounced type and free from lice, though otherwise not over clean. Appetite and health always good, and always plenty to eat – cheerfully given. […] The knife-fork-and-plate prejudices have left me and my fingers have been fork and dish for some time now. The fish diet does not poll at all – and Anderson brought some salt, which improves it. The people are always friendly and jolly – Roxy is the only one who has given me reasonable cause for dissatisfaction, and that can be set down to his sophistication aboard whalers.