Miles Franklin pocket diary, 1952

February 1952

Sunday 3

Warmish day. In evening Ruby Brydon came. I let her do the talking - heavens, what idle gabble - not an idea in it. Figs ripe in plenty - take time & labor. I did tiny bit in garden. Gave Ruby nice lot of figs.

Body temp. 8 a.m 97.4 7 p.m 99.6

February 1952

Monday 4

Nice warm day again. Did bit in garden. Figs a labor - got some ready for jam. In morning went to Carlton to shop, to Mrs Chapman for fitting: met Mrs Watson. Went to carrier & telephoned May about it. In evening listening to radio heard Harold Ickes was dead - another of my friends: so few left. Aged 77. Rang Bruce Sutherland as someone who knew who Harold Ickes was - every time a friend goes it is a shaft of death through me. Mrs Coates came in with apples & persimmons as a return to the figs. Amy McCutchan telephoned re my joining her on Friday for drive. Did a line full of laundry. Body temp 7:30 a.m. 97.4 4.00 p.m. 99.8

February 1952

Tuesday 5

Nice warm day. Took a lot of figs to Mrs Fogden & some to Mrs Coates. Ran telephone message to Mrs Bennetts. Had a yarn with Pixie on the 'phone, Stumbled on a page or two of essay - accomplished nothing. Did a bit in garden. Made four pounds of fig jam.

Temp 7.30 a.m 97.4 " 7:00 p.m 99.8

February 1952

Wednesday 6

Cool day. Did a bit in garden. Mrs Andresen in to telephone. Heard Lily was dead. Went to butcher. Did a page on essay. Dal & Fitz called in evening and were leaving at 9 when May ran up to say the King was dead, so they delayed: I made tea & they stayed till 11.30. As I was going to bed I heard the guns thudding a salute. I am so sorry that dear little King has gone, but glad he did not suffer at the last. No one has heard an unkind word of him.

Temp 7.30 a.m 97.4º 7.00 p.m 100º.

February 1952

Thursday 7

Nice hot day again. Went to town, returned Colin's 2 books on H.H.R. Called on B.D. & took her figs. Went to newsreel and got home by three & had a cup of tea & bread & honey. Mrs Andresen called to 'phone: her bro. in a coma through hemorrhage. I cut down bougainvillea in garden & watered my little plot of beans. Called on M. Holburn & made enquiries about air booking.

Temp. 7.30 97.8° 9 p.m. 98.6°