Miles Franklin pocket diary, 1953

December 1953

Thursday 10

Fine lively warm day - not too hot. Watered garden again; & again on a couple of pp. of essay - forcing myself to it inch by inch. At 3.45 left for town to newsreel & to A. Shepherd to meet Dal for meal but had to have it with A.S. & Dal turned up at 10 to 8 & took me to K. Dowding's church to hear a Pollak speak on religious drama. Dal drove me home & spoke of his committee on the liquor committee wh. had great publicity today. Ran a telephone message for Mrs A.

December 1953

Friday 11

Nice clear day but crisp heat. Went to Carlton & butcher etc. Ran message for Mrs Morgan. Mrs Fogden called up. Jno Webb has got a big post in Atomic work & has gone to Darwin. Got to the end of the body of essay. Now for contents, acknowledgements etc. Mrs M. brought her great-nephew to call, nice big infant. Telephoned Pixie. Took peaches off mother's old tree. Only a few, thank heaven, as I cd. not cope with them.

December 1953

Saturday 12

Grey day - warmish. Took some peaches to Mrs Morgan. Wrote a long letter to Dymphna - about 4,500 words - no wonder I'm exhausted. Did a tiny bit in garden. Mildred Goggins in to telephone. Caddie made a long telephone call. She is coming for next Wednesday night. Dear old Uncle Gus rang up during afternoon. A miracle & a blessing still to have him. He is at Thelma's: came down on Tuesday.

December 1953

Sunday 13

Warm day. Did Contents & front pp of essay. Una Kidgell rang up & also Howie Delys also rang up for a nice long call.

December 1953

Monday 14

Cool day. Chilly at night. Finished corrections in essay & cut holes for binding it. J.K. Ewers rang up & is calling in Jan. cuss! Mrs A in to telephone. I irrigated garden & gathered peaches & plums for Delys. Arthur called at 5.15 & took them & lavender & brought vegetables.