Miles Franklin pocket diary, 1953

November 1953

Wednesday 26

Perishing day. Tried to do the family tree for Cockatoos. Too exhausted so lay down & then irrigated the garden. Sort of disrupted by K.S.P.s threatened arrival. Caddie telephoned in the evening.

November 1953

Thursday 26

Cool day collapsing into heavy rain during early evening. I worked on genealogical chart for Cockatoos but really sick with fatigue. Telegram from K.S.P. coming tomorrow. Arthur & Delys arrived at 5 in rain with food. We had meal & they left at 8.30. I did some chores & to bed before 10.

November 1953

Friday 27

Cool day again. Did a bit on BBB family chart & the rest preparing for K. S. P. Went to butcher etc. Ran message for Andresens. Ruby Brydon rang up also B.D. had found she had chart for wh. I spent time searching. Katharine arrived before 6. exhausted carrying heavy case from station. We were in bed by ten. I got to sleep after 3 a. m & K. waked me at 4.30 clearing her throat. I'm v. nervous & too lively.

November 1953

Saturday 28

Nice warm day. Katharine went to town at 11 & returned at 4p.m. We both had a rest & then had tea & a quiet evening. While she was in town I managed to put finishing touches on ͟C͟o͟c͟k͟a͟t͟o͟o͟s͟ chart. Took ½ a Dr Anderson pill going to bed at 10 & slept with one buck to 4.30. It was a great relief tho I felt a bit dopey. K says her work is finished & she wants to die - very dismal - made me really depressed

November 1953

Sunday 29

Lovely fine slightly ̶ ̶f̶i̶n̶e̶ warmer day in parts. I got dinner of lamb chops, beans, new potatoes, caramel custard & Bartlett pears and Friar's pudding. We talked, rested & read - a happy day except for K's depressing manner & philosophy. Of course we have to die, but I believe in resisting it to the last breath. K. & Dal had some private business so he came at 2.30 & I did some odds & ends & got tea by 4.15 & he left after 6. We listened a little. K wanted to hear the Mary Gilmore feature & then we went to bed.