Miles Franklin pocket diary, 1953

December 1953

Sunday 20

Nice warm day. Threatened thunderstorm but only one drop fell here. Worked hard all day house cleaning & a little ironing & irrigating the garden. At last got the laundry cleared up washed kitchen, hall, back room & my head. Mrs A. gave me dinner. Ruby Brydon came in evening. She has had a card from Jno at Kurrajong. Heard the cicadas for first time this season.

December, 1953

Monday 21

107.5 ° & at Mascot 110°. Gorgeously hot day like a great fire or a lovely hot bath. I did some chores & went to town to post silk & ribbon to Val Cottrill. Got off at Foy's & saw Mr McCarthy & got a bottle of wine 15/- & took it to the Howarth's. Thence to Newsreel. Thence to see Lena at D.J's & I had a little lunch Mrs Hutchen with her. Did some Christmas shopping & home. Wrote some cards & telephoned Beattie & Maureen re the wedding. Too hot even for the cicadas, but I enjoyed it.

December 1953

Tuesday 22

Bah! it was a cool day. I had to don more clothes and a cardigan. A tiny shower in evening was all the rain. I wrote a good many letters. Dal rang up for a long chat in evening. Del also telephoned that Arthur will call tomorrow at 7.30 a.m.

December 1953

Wednesday 23

Cool grey day with slight attempts to rain. Weitzer called & chatted for nearly an hour. Frank rang up regarding tomorrow I tackled the cards and letters again but with small avail - too slack & weary because 4.30 milkman 5.30 ice 7 a m the crow Hackett next door. Marie McNiven made one of her long calls & told of many troubles, poor woman. Glen made a short call. Dal was to arrive at 8 but got here at 9.30 & stayed till 12. At 8.a.m A. arrived with beautiful cake & other food - vegetables - & flowers. Caddie also telephoned. It was a scrappy day.

December 1953

Thursday 24

Nice warm day with cool breeze. Frank did not get here till 1 & had had lunch so my preparations & 5/- in food was unavailing. He scratched up the front hurriedly & had some tea & off just as Winnie came in. I had gone to butcher early. Got Christmas presents ready. Took surplus food & gifts to the Andresens. Tackled some of the cards. Had a hot bath took ½ a sleeping pill & to bed before 10.