Miles Franklin pocket diary, 1952

December 1952

Friday 19

Cold day. Occasional drizzle. Went to bank. Took a bond in Broken Hill water supply. Mrs A. will not give me dinners after this week end. She'd rather get a widow's pension & sit about reading poor novels than make a little extra. I did something on Pixie's demand and got rid of some letters and read a little of Ralph Rashleigh. ['Ralph Rashleigh' underlined]

December 1952

Saturday 20

I found the day chilly again. Marguerite telephoned again & I consented to go to see her tomorrow. Ruby telephoned to say Aunt L. very frail - goes off in deep faints - at D.J.s and at church yet she will come to town alone. Ruby has her house at last in Rockdale.

December 1952

Sunday 21

Nice warm day. Went over to Marguerite D. for dinner. Her sister Mrs Spicer & Florence Hooper also there. Mutch failed to come so it was a boresome day. For afternoon tea Mrs Nell Green came & Kirsham. I got home at 7.25. Rang Fred Hampson A. A. to try & trace John. He gave me a name to call.

December 1952

Monday 22

In morning Fruit Inspector called & while he was here Marguerite & Louie Somerville so I had to put them off & ring later. Tried Essay & answering letters & boiling & burying peaches & my fatigue is beyond endurance. Fred Hampson telephoned about A. A. possibilities. Little hope for Jno. I fear. He says they slump into those places because they are easy & there is plenty of grog to be got there.

December 1952

Tuesday 23

Lovely warm day. Wrote some letters. Did a few chores & went to town to Dr Anderson at 12. Then to D.J.s to meet Lorna & [Shern's?] for lunch of turkey & ham. Then to Newsreel & some shopping & home. Dal called after tea v. tired & brought me a bottle of brandy & a ½ pound of chocs. Win. Johns called later with a box of sweets.