Miles Franklin pocket diary, 1952

February 1952

Friday 8

Cool grey day with a tiny shower - only a few drops - at dusk. Amy & her Mother called at 10.30 & we went to Kembla. Drew in & had a snack above Stanwell Pk. to wh. I contributed figs & chocs. Then lunch at the Hotel overlooking the Grand view. Met John and his mate [Basarulia?] at 4 p.m. at N. Wollongong Stn & Jno drove home. The evidence of fire all the way - trees & shrubs all burned. A Mrs Whyburn neé Furphy got me on the 'phone about her daughter's cliché verses - I laid her on to the F.A.W. . Went down to call on May, & to bed. Temp. 7.30am 98 ° - 10p.m 98.6 °

February 1952

Saturday 9

Nice warm day - no signs of rain. Did bit in garden. Ran messages for the Andresens. Gathered figs and beans. The Dinhams rang up and will take me to the aeroplane like they did last time. Struggled on essay - did a page.

7.30 am 97.8° 98.8 at 8.30 p.m

February 1952

Sunday 10

Warm day again. Cleaned front garden gathered figs. In afternoon went to May & girls to have tea with Jack & Beatty & Beatty drove me home. I took May figs, shalots, one tomato, beans & lemons from garden. A scud of wind & enough rain drops to damp the pavement at 7.45. Took figs to Mrs Bennetts. Slept in back room for coolness. Nell Jordan telephoned - never knows when to ring off.

8.30 a.m 98.4 2.00 p.m 100 °. 6.30 p.m 100 °. 9.30pm 98.6 °

February 1952

Monday 11

Cool day collapsing into drizzle at 5.30. Delys telephoned she is coming tomorrow - however am I to get time to finish essay. Ran message re Mr A's bro. - he is better today. Mrs B. in to telephone. Chilly at bedtime. Telephoned for a booking on T.A.A.

8.00 - 98° - 2pm 98.6° - 10.30 98.4°

February 1952

Tuesday 12

Perishing grey day - only 65°. I had to leave essay & clean up for Delys who came for a couple of hours had tea & brought flowers, vegs & jam. I had only figs to give her. Left a copy of The Dead Must not Return ready for Mabel Singleton. Mrs B. Mrs A & Maisie in to telephone. Mrs Fogden went to hospital. Answered some letters.

8 am 98.° 1 p.m 99.6 10 p.m 99.°00