Miles Franklin pocket diary, 1954

January 1954

Wednesday 13

Grey day again, but warmer & a glimpse of sun. Went to Bank and Dodds. Ran messages for Mrs A. twice, & she was in to telephone. Lillaine & Joan Van Drempt each made a long telephone call. Wrote some letters. Another wasted day. Lumbago uncomfortable, but relieved it is not a worse paralysis.

January 1954

Thursday 14

Warmish day again with occasional glimpses of sun. Ran message to Mr Bennetts as Mrs Bennetts had strolled out of the hospital. Delys rang up & will come on Sat. afternoon. Went to bed after hot bath at 10 but no sleep till after 2.

January 1954

Friday 15

Finer warmer day. Went to town in my mauve dress made by Miss Jones. Saw A. Cousins about Jacket for Cockatoos & made a suggestion. Had a short chat with A. Shepherd. Went to Newsreel. Met Paul Frolic [Frolich] on street - had a chat. Went shopping & to G.P.O. & home by 3.30. Took half a pill which had the usual pep effect.

January 1954

Saturday 16

A Summer day but not hot. I housecleaned and Arthur & Delys came at 3.15p.m & stayed till 9.15. They brought roast beef and salads & I had a nice big rock melon. We had wine, tea & coffee to drink & plenty of cake. Cut Ruth H's beautiful rich shortbread & the big cake Arthur brought for Christmas ½ of which I took to Lena last Sat. Florrie rang up unhappy & wants to come next Tues & Wed. Ewers telephoned re Monday.

January 1954

Sunday 17

Nice warm day. No telephone calls no callers. Cleaned the sitting room and read the papers, & laundered my biggest dressing gown in readiness for Florrie.