Miles Franklin pocket diary, 1952

January 1952

Wednesday 9

Did not get to sleep till well after 2 a.m. Waked at 4.50 by those infernal boo-hooing doves. Lay awake till 5.20 for ice. Then after 6.30 tried to sleep again was waked at 7.40 by postman pounding on door. Ah-me, I am so tired & fagged. How can I write? At 1.30 I was so fagged I had to lie down & slept till 4.20. Then the telephone began. A Pamela Ruskin telephoned about new magazine. Aust Post to come out in Feb. Bob Nelson in charge, Peter Russo to contribute. Asked me to write for it. Goggins children in to say goodnight & to get lollies. Chilly, fine day. Took Mrs B. a caramel custard to return her rice-pudding dish.

January 1952

Thursday 10

Fine day but not really warm. Went to butcher. Started on essay but Mrs A came to telephone and gossipped endlessly, next Mrs Morgan made a call & so the morning went & by afternoon I was fagged. Dan Clyne rang up about box - wonder if he can get one.

January 1952

Friday 11

Lovely warm day. Went to town to A.&R. saw Roderick; & Geo Ferguson & extolled Beatrice, then saw Beatrice. Left for Marie McNiven at 12.30 & had lunch with her & her mother (88) & she showed me the gorgeous cake she has made for Jno. & will deliver to C.P. office. Came back into town to newsreel & home by 7.30 & had tea. On way in called at Mrs Chapman. Very tired, arms going stiff. A southerly roared up & dispersed the lovely warmth. Glen telephoned for ½ an hour. Body temp. 8.00 am 97.8° " " [8.00? or 9.00?] pm 99.8 °

January 1952

Saturday 12

Cool day. Did a tiny bit on essay. Went to butcher. Marie McN. telephoned to say her husband will deliver the cake to C.P Office with a note saying it is from one of the many people interested in him, & it is to be hoped he will think it is from Alcoholics Anon. Listened to Dymphna's play "Red Sky" & wrote to her.

January 1952

Sunday 13

Nice warm day. Called on Fogdens to see how Mrs Fogden was. Mrs Bennetts in to telephone also May F. Smales. Did 11pp typing of essay. Body temp normal at 7.30pm.