Miles Franklin pocket diary, 1952

January 1952

Monday 14

Warm day, heavy and humid promising rain, but a southerly at night-fall swept it away. Went to Mrs Chapman, Bank & P.O. and to that specious Old Harley once more about the guttering next door. Then shopped & so the morning went. Tried a bit of typing in afternoon. May Bridle telephoned for ½ hour.

January 1952

Tuesday 15

Chilly grey day with some drizzle. David Bennetts in and out. I lent him "Four Winds & a Family". Arthur, Mrs Bennetts and Mildred in to telephone. I called May. Dan C telephoned he has a GPO Box for me. I am to lunch with him next Monday. Dal also telephoned for long chat - tea with him on Friday.

January 1952

Wednesday 16

Fine coolish day. Went in to ask how Mr Andresen is - in bed for a week with rheumatism and gout. Aunt Lena called on 'phone.

January 1952

Thursday 17

Fine clear day, but not warm. Struggled in vain to do a bit on essay. Constant interruptions. Went to Carlton to shop, to Andresen to inquire, to Mrs Morgan on errand, to dressmaker. Mrs Bennetts in to telephone. Ruby Brydon, Marie McN & Nell Jordan all telephoned and kept me till I felt like fainting. Garden a wilderness, house a junk shop: what am I to do?

January 1952

Friday 18

Fine day but not hot. Went to town. Took lilies and double sunflowers to B.D. Called on Colin Roderick, then via shops to Mitchell to finish "Paving the Way". Saw B. Sutherland there : he did not see me. Thence to 8th floor Martin Place. Dal came away with me via a cup of tea and as far as Arncliff on the train. He is clean played out. I cleaned up the front and the kitchen & decorated vases after getting home. Telephoned Geo Clune - after years. & Marjory [Marjorie] Holburn & to bed dead exhausted at 9.p.m