In 1946, Edward is 70 years old, Kate is 67 years old and Alys is 62 years old. Eva is 37 years old and Philip is 33 years old (Alys and Dennis’ daughter and son). James is 8 years old (Eva and Teddy’s son) and Eve (Eva and Teddy’s’ daughter (my mother)) is 6 years old.
Personal Memoranda
Address: 12 Grove Road, Northwood, Middlesex
Katharine Boyd
Telephone No: Northwood 1356
Tuesday 1st January 1946
Dull not dark. Cold.
Electricity engine wouldn’t start. Tracing Mr A. Read on phone. Wired him. Made chicken mince, leeks, mashed potato. Alys dressed but back to bed feeling very tired. Rested. Made leek soup. Wrote Sissie, Ella, Roefs, Pickin, with rent. Grilled Welsh rarebit with 1 egg for supper. Alys sat up in chair, still headache and swimmy. Brains Trust. To bed 9.40. Baden turning engine off at 10.
Wednesday 2nd January 1946
Dull. Very cold.
Letter from Phil to Alys from Charing Cross Hospital. Alys stayed in bed all day, and felt better, not so swimmy (though noises still). I woke at 9.5 Alys knocked. We did up parcels for Phil – pyjamas, shoes, and trousers. Baden to Barnard Castle at 1.30; posted parcels, got dog licences and wireless, lettercards, Hunter rations. H.H and Marjorie Brown called at 2.45 with books. Rested. “Deviation South”. Leek soup, boiled eggs. A. Taylor (historian) talk on 45 and what to expect.
William Joyce (Lord Haw Haw) hanged for High Treason.
Thursday 3rd January 1946
Very cold. Dullish.
Another letter to Alys from Phil – 2 running. Alys in bed all day, felt better and good appetite. Dr Woodsend came. Mrs Peacock cleaned sitting room. Washed up. Beef slices in gravy, spinach. Baden in my car to Richmond for switch and license to kill pig. Gloves to Doz in parcel. Timber man came; phoned to Singleton for Blain to come back soon. Made scones, chicken soup, boiled eggs, prunes, cake. Zeus not well all day, but took milk and biscuit at 8.45.
Friday 4th January 1946
Milder. Dull.
Laundry (but they only called at 2.30). Did beef mince and sprouts. Baked apples. Marjorie Brown came with fish from Barnard Castle. Alys not feeling so well 99.8℉ and hot head and depressed. Harland from Cox-Walker all day doing electric engine with Baden. Short rest. Wrote Amy Steel. Baked fillets fish. Supper. Irish play and lights off at 9.30. “The Hard Man” Murphy.
Saturday 5th January 1946
Fine. Mild.
Mrs Peacock from 10 – 11 to wash up and get coal. Alys got up after lunch (shepherds pie, sprouts, spinach, onion gravy) and in garden; and filled hot bottles. I posted letters to Amy Steel, and E.V.M (Ernest Vernor Miles) from Alys. Rested. Scones and milk. read paper. Alys tired and headache; she took aspirins. Noodle soup, Finnan haddock (boiled on grill). To bed 9.15. “He was Born Gay”. At 9.30 Emlyn Williams. Alec Guinness, Dauphin.
Memo:
1st Sent Pickin rent, to February 21st
1st Phil to Charing Cross Hospital; as House-Physician.
1st Wrote Ella, with L.R.B letters; Wrote Sissie, Roefs.
Alys wrote Kitty and E.V.M.
Aunt Bella died on 5th at 1 a.m.
9th King gave banquet at St James’ Palace to Delegates to U.N.O. (United National Organisation) for Inaugeral Meeting (Buckingham Palace still bomb damaged). 51 countries.
Sunday 6th January 1946
Fine and very mild.
Alys feeling better all day. Dressed and out in garden. Peeled and cooked potatoes. I made stew in casserole; onions, carrots. Dug up more primroses. Rang up Eva at 1.45 (Phil there weekend). Mr Read came about engine. Baden in to tell me 3.50. Posted letter from Alys to Phil. Sardines (my box from Amy) and toast, oranges. “Man of Property” 8.30. To bed 9.40.
Monday 7th January 1946
Mild. Fine.
Mrs Peacock at 9.30. Did stairs. Took primroses. Baden to Richmond and posted 12 eggs and alrd to Eva. To bank, chemist. Alys up at 12.15. We in garden together. She better. Eva phoned at 12.45. Rested. Made scones. Read Punch. Alys got up to get sherry. Felt cheerful. Soup, corned beef. Rostand’s “L’Aiglon”. McKechnie.
Tuesday 8th January 1946
Mild. Showery.
Alys no feeling so well all day, but up and to post at 2.15 and to gardens and talked to Mrs Blain. I made curry; with rice. At 2.20 to Dobinson and talked to Mrs and Rhoda about work here, Hilda. Rest. Scones and milk. Crossword, paper. Eggs (in saucers) and bacon under grill. Orange. Brains Trust. Kingsley Martin. J. T. Christie (Head of Westminster School), Leigh Ashton (V&A Museum). Lord Samuel, S.C. Roberts.
Wednesday 9th January 1946
Dull, mild. Windy.
Atkinson concreted arcade steps to keep rats out. Warmed up curry, sprouts, rice. Alys’ head not aching in early morning. Rang up Dr Woodsend 8.45. Rang up Phil at Charing Cross Hospital. He wants Alys to go up on Friday. Washed Alys’ brass. “The Disappearance of an Actor” Karel Čapek 4.30. Welsh rarebit (grill) and chocolate mousse. Both darned stockings. Vernon Bartlett on U.N.O. opening.
10th Opening Meeting of U.N.O. Monsieur Spaak of Belgium elected as President.
Thursday 10th January 1946
Windy, fair.
Letter from Eva de Baeremaecker, Aunt Bella died 5th. Alys rather apprehensive again about travelling so I phoned Dr Woodsend (encouraging). Mrs Peacock cleaned sitting room. Alys packed suitcase and felt very exhausted. Fried bacon and eggs. Chocolate, and apple mousse. Did up parcel of honey, chocolate, biscuits, sugar and coffee. Wrote letter to Eva de Baeremaecker. Broadcast about U.N.O. Baden to East Layton for letters. Eva rang up. I rang her about train time. American Pork meat and toast. Alys made sandwich.
Friday 11th January 1946
Dullish. Mild.
Up at 6.15. Alys had breakfast in bed in nursery as usual. At 7.35 Baden drove us to Darlington. Alys off 8.45 (Kings Cross 1.16). Baden and I to Miss Snaith’s, Ashbridge House, where sister Nancy is. Then I had hair trim at Binns and Baden to Cox-Walker’s. Posted honey, sugar to Alys at Northwood. Back at 10.45. Harland cured electric engine. Phone bells put right in p.m. Soup, pork meat. Wrote Alys. Sent letter to Eva de Baeremaecker. Rested. Welsh rarebit, soufflé, baked apples.
Saturday 12th January 1946
Dullish. Fair.
Cozy stove set fire to wood and paper in night but went out. In garden and got lettuces. Fried liver and kidneys and onions; baked apple (Zeus didn’t eat dinner – not well). Rest. Mended suspenders. Soup. U.S. pork meat salad supper. “His House in Order” Pinero. Dorothy Hyson 2nd wife. Harry Welchman, the brother in law from abroad.
Memo:
300 francs = 30/-
12th Blain’s wages. Bread paid for to 7th
11th Alys to Northwood.
8th Blain’s putting new gasket in EYT.
Posted cheque for car license.
Sunday 13th January 1946
Fair. Not very cold.
D. Brown phoned. Invitation. Wrote Alys. Zeus ill till 4, then ate dinner and out. H.H. Brown called for me at 12.40 in Dennis’ car. Boiled mutton and caper sauce, leeks. Plum pudding, rum butter. Dried apricots. H.H. took me back at 2.15. He borrowed books. Rested. Cooked my joint (chops) in Dutch oven. U.S. Pork and salad. Baked apple. “Man of Property”.
Monday 14th January 1946
Frosty and sunny.
Mrs Peacock did stairs. Cleaned Cozy stove. Sent cheques Meynell and Kardomah. Baden to Richmond in EYT with Mrs Bill to fetch tea-chest (from Ashridge). Chop in oven and leeks and gravy. In garden, ice on ponds. Rested. Made apple sauce and leek soup and grilled kidneys. Wrote Eva de Baeremaecker in English. Answer to 2nd letter. “People Like Us” by Frank Vosper. Marie Ney.
Tuesday 15th January 1946
Hard frost. Sunny. Lovely.
In garden to order sprouts. Ponds ice. Dogs out with me. Sat on seat in sun. Warmed up chop, sprouts and potatoes, apple sauce. Posted letter to Eva de Baeremaecker (in English). Sifted basinful of white flour. Rest (not sleep). Made suet steamed pudding with strawberry jam. Omelette with liver and kidney. Good. Pudding not good, too hard. Brains Trust. Put electric stove in bathroom.
Wednesday 16th January 1946
Frost. Sun. Lovely. Cold.
Packed up 2 boxes of eggs (12 each) and Baden took them to post at Richmond to Alys and Phil. He got fire-back for Dimmocks. In garden with dogs. Ice very thick on ponds. Sat on seat. Cutlet and sprouts and fried potato. Baked slices pudding. Lettercard to Alys. Leek soup. Fried corned beef and vegetables. Stewed plums (Camden). Tidied nursery. “Poison Pen”. Wrote Neasham re. gasket.
Thursday 17th January 1946
Dull. Cold. Very slight snow.
Mrs Peacock cleaned nursery. Unpacked tea chest from Ashridge. Packed 1lb honey and Nescafé and Baden took it to Ravensworth to post with a note to Alice enclosing something about Will and 11,000 and 35,000 = £46,000. Fried onions and meat and liver. Apple sauce. Rest. Made sponge cakes (2) and cheese soufflé (for supper). Plums and sponge cake. Mended coat (Jaegar). “When Hans Christian Anderson met Charles Dickens” 11.30.
Friday 18th January 1946
Dull, snow, cold.
Laundry. Blain and I packed crate of 50lb honey. I also did up 2 dried milks and dried eggs and wrote lettercard to Alys. Warmed up meat, leeks and potato, fried pudding. Baden to Barnard Castle at 1.15 with crate and parcel. Rested. Sewed Phil’s coat lining. Made custard with nasty eggs (dogs!) Cheese omelette, plums and cream and sponge cake. “Three Men in a Boat” 8. Population/Roy Harrod.
Saturday 19th January 1946
Dull, less cold but frost at night.
Tidied drawer a bit. Wrote Doz (lettercard) and Elsa (letter). Peat pie and sprouts. Baked pudding and jam. To post in snow and in garden with dogs. Slushy ice and snow. Rest. Made porridge, leek soup, with barley flakes, corned beef hash, gooseberry fool. Tidied other drawer. Mended gloves. “The High Road” by Fred Lonsdale about actress and Duke.
Memo:
16th 12 eggs to Alys, 12 to Phil. 17th 1lb honey and Nescafé to Alys.
16th James’ term begins.
18th Eve’s term begins.
17th Alys to Dr Warner 9.45 a.m. Lettercard from her 18th – “nervous exhaustion”.
18th Wrote Clark about stove.
18th Crate and honey sent.
19th Wrote Doz lettercard with tickets.
21st General de Gaulle resigned.
Sunday 20th January 1946
Lovely. Sun, frost
Zeus’ water pot cracked. Wrote Nell Sime and Ella. In garden with dogs. Ice on ponds, hard. Braised the beef with vegetables. Ate Peat pie and sprouts; baked apples. Rest and Selma Lagerlöf’s story on “Ghosts at Solberga” 3.30. To post and garden again. Leek soup, cheese omelette (failure). Gooseberries and custard. “Man of Property”. Daily News to News Chronicle 1846 – 1946.
Monday 21st January 1946
Less cold. Dull. Dark.
Mrs Peacock did halls and I did Kimbo’s basket. Made Doz’s red cushions for it. Braised beef and sprouts dinner, baked pudding. Wrote Ella. Telephone bill. Rest, slept. Not out for rents of at all. Made cheese and potato soufflé. Baked apples supper. Sewed cushion and Bill Blain cut off ham shoulder. “The Dark Tower” (Childe Roland to the Dark Tower Came” all evening. Gloomy. Felt asthmatic(?) evening and night. Ill?
Tuesday 22nd January 1946
Not freezing. Dull. Raw.
Packed and sewed up ham shoulder and 12 eggs and 6 pair of six socks. Felt rather shivery but no fever (took temperature at 1). Braised beef and pudding. Baden took 3 parcels to post at Barnard Castle. Rested and slept. Made custard, but eggs not good. Lettercard to Alys about parcels. Cooked cod fish brought by Baden (griller). Baked apples. Darned socks. Brains Trust about ITMA. Lord Morris Robert Boothby, Julian Huxley, 2 Barbara’s (Ward and Wootten). Last Nurse Dugdale. Marshall.
Wednesday 23rd January 1946
Dull and raw. Not freezing.
Made mince of braised steak, sprouts. Darned socks. Rested. Slept. Wardle killed the pig. Wrote cheques for Paxton, Blackstone. Handy (Handasyde Buchanan) (for Steer). Wrote Alys and sending her chequebook for signatures. “The Joyous Adventures of Aristide Pujol” and “The Trial of Bardell v. Pickwick”. Made custard. Soup and fish supper.
Thursday 24th January 1946
Very cold. Dull.
Mrs Peacock did sitting room, without taking things outside (too cold, also men came and put new telephone bell in passage). 12 eggs to Phil. Mince and sprouts. Wrote more to Alys, sending Clark’s letter re. stove. About 20 minutes rest. Baden in car to Stanwix for saltpetre and oatmeal and posted letters. Wardle cup up pig, so I sewed up some bits of pork and Baden took them to post at East Layton at 4. Fresh pig’s liver, and onions; plums, sponge cake. Darned.
Friday 25th January 1946
Mild. Darkish, damp.
Roasted 2 or 3 bits of pig in oven. Made yeast rolls with egg. Wrote Kitty. Postcards to Alys and Elsa. Pork and plums and custard and sponge cake. Rest. Hunter at 4. Darned and ‘”The Gay Dolphin Adventure”. Warmed up mince and potato; omelette soufflé with peach jam. Australia “Pacific Citadel”.
Saturday 26th January 1946
Mild, damp.
Lettercard to Miss Peacock and to post, and garden with dogs. Pork and liver and sprouts. Plums and cream. Rest; slept. Sausagemeat and black pudding from pig grilled. Darned and “John Ferguson” St John Ervine.
Memo:
26th Blain’s wages.
21st Rents – Zeus coughing and wheezing badly.
21st Wrote Ella and lettercard to Alys with braised beef recipe.
22nd Ham shoulder to Alys. 12 eggs to Eva. 6 pair socks Phil.
23rd Letter to Alys, with chequebook, posted 24th
24th Parcel of pig meat to Alys, postcard on 25th, 12 eggs to Phil and 1 chocolate.
25th Wrote Kitty, postcard to Elsa.
Sunday 27th January 1946
Perfect a.m. Warm. White frost early.
In garden with dogs. Hoed path. Thin ice on ponds. Sat a bit on basket. Lovely and warm. Roasted mutton and potatoes. Ate pork (warmed up) sprouts. Slept in p.m. Minced up liver. Mince for supper and plums. Baked apple lunch. “Man of Property”. Has India changed? Talk by E.M. Forster. Wrote Elise.
Monday 28th January 1946
Sunny a.m. Warm. Windy and dull later.
Mrs Peacock cleaned Alys’ room. Moved beds apart with her. In garden with dogs. Fried sausage (our pig) and potatoes and leeks. Baked apple. Rest. Listening to “Amazing Dr Clitterhouse”. Did up Alys’ green dressing gown, pink nightie and some coffee. Baden registered them at East Layton. Leek soup, minced liver. Lettercard to Alys. Asthma in night again.
Tuesday 29th January 1946
Sunny early. Cloudy later. Mildish. Snow at 7.
Alys phoned. Did up saucepan, spoon and 2 pack chocolate and 12 eggs to Eva. To Richmond in EYT. Baden driving. He posted saucepan to Phil. I to Barclays Bank; and Singleton’s for points. Pork lunch. Wrote air-letter to Eva de Baeremaecker re. desk. Rest. Cooked apricots and apple sauce and porridge. Darned Welsh rarebit with egg grilled. Brains Trust.
Wednesday 30th January 1946
Fine a.m. Dull later. Thaw very slight.
Made yeast rolls and Genoese cake. Out garden with dogs. Lovely. Talked Mrs Bill Blain about onions and shallots. Mince in oven and sprouts. Apple-snow and new cake. Wrote lettercard to Alys about Eva de Baeremaecker’s letter and list. Rest and “The Joyous Adventures of Aristide Pujol” and “Sea Fight off Sandwich” in 1290? Henry III boy. Cheese omelette; apricots. Story 11 – 3 about trout (Balmucky’s Ring) Ellison Munro. Asthma in night.
Thursday 31st January 1946
Fair, damp, rain in evening.
Mrs Peacock did washing of socks and sitting room. In garden in snow, with dogs. Shepherds pie, sprouts, potatoes (by Mrs Peacock). Apple. Darned Phil’s socks and at 3 Baden posted 4 pairs at Ravensworth, to Phil; and got dried eggs and milk and 10 gallons petrol. Rested. Cooked pig’s lights on grill. Made vegetable soup with yolk of egg in it. Rolls, apricots and cream and cake. ITMA, Packed 6 eggs for Phil. Very tired.
Friday 1st February 1946
Mild. Showers and sunshine. Very windy.
Not a good night – asthma. After doing laundry; with Baden at 10.45 to Darlington. Blain took little radio to shop. Called for Nancy at Commercial School. Paid Neasham’s 6/- bill. Home 12.45. Shepherds pie, apple snow. Wrote Alys re. buying 6 Murray Road and re. Mrs Wilf. Binks. Rested. Darned socks. Discussion on Picasso. Brawn and rolls; pudding made from Barnes’ cake. (F.F.B. idea).
Saturday 2nd February 1946
Fair. Mild.
Bad night, asthma and Kim howling. In garden. Snow gone. Mild. Lettercard to Phil about hedgerow trees. Hot roast pork (warmed up), sprout and potatoes. Baked apple. Rest. Play at 4.5. “The Door That Would Not Stay Closed”, Mary Roberts Rinehart. Wrote Doz. Peat pie. Custard and cake pudding. “Sigh No More”, Noël Coward 8.15 from Piccadilly Theatre. “Anthony and Anna” St John Ervine. Much better night.
Memo:
31st Wrote Hunter’s order.
28th Dressing gown, night and coffee to Alys.
2nd Points end.
29th 12 eggs to Eva. Saucepan to Phil.
1st Baden etc 11.30
29th Airletter to Eva de Baeremaecker.
31st 4 pairs thin socks to Phil.
2nd Wrote Doz.
1st 6 eggs to Phil.
U.N.O. discussing Greece and British troops. Soviet Vyshinsky versus Bevin.
Sunday 3rd February 1946
Very mild. Spring like.
Out in garden. Raked and also clipped lonicera hedge a bit. Posted letter to Doz. Braised the beef joint on vegetables. Apricots and cream and cake. Long rest. Listened 3.30. “Men of God” Shepherd of Tekoa” (Amos). “The World Goes By” Peter Scott, Alastair Cooke. Made corned beef and potato pancake. Chocolate mousse. Darned duster and socks. “Man of Property”, good night.
Monday 4th February 1946
Fine. Cooler. Windy later.
Packed 12 eggs for Eva. Mrs Peacock did hall. In car to Stanwix with eggs but closed 12.35. Stew (braised beef). To Stanwix again 2.15. Posted eggs and dried eggs and dried milk. Hoed and raked in garden. Rested at 3.30. Made apple sauce and porridge. Wrote Elsa for magazines. Brawn and colcannon. Apple sauce and custard. “The Insect Play” Brothers Capek, Bernard Miles.
Tuesday 5th February 1946
Mild, showers and sun.
Not good night, asthma. In garden, clipped hedge. Made marmalade pudding (with crumbs). Braised beef and leeks. Wrote Stokvis. Rest and slept. In garden again at 4 and did more to hedge. Wrote Peggy Blain with £1 for wedding present. Did up 20 eggs in big box. Peat pie. Apple sauce. Brains Trust. Ben Smith (Food Minister) on world wheat shortage.
Wednesday 6th February 1946
Mild. Dull.
Wrote Ella (who ill, flu). Did up 8 eggs for Phil. Blain to Ravensworth with it at 1. He in at 2 and told about girl at East Layton. I in car to see her (Zena Douglas) and mother, Mrs Proud and after called on Simpson’s. Sherry and sausage meat! Engaged Zena, coming Friday a.m. Wrote Alys. Rested. “The Joyous Adventures of Aristide Pujol” and 2 plays. Fried sausage and black pudding. Wrote John Clark for cheque.
U.N.O. discussing Indonesia and British troops.
Thursday 7th February 1946
Very mild. Windy.
Mrs Peacock didn’t come till 1.30 (weather rough, she said). Looked out shirts in Dennis’ drawer and did up for Phil. Baden registered them at Ravensworth. He also sent off big box with 20 eggs to Eva. I wrote Alys. Beef stew and apple Charlotte; cleaned my room. Mrs Peacock cleaned sitting room and kitchen. I tidied housekeeper’s room. No rest. Soup and sausage and black pudding. Hunter brought oranges!! Clipped hedge. Paul Temple at 8.
Friday 8th February 1946
Dull, mild, windy.
At 10 came Zena Douglas on cycle. Showed her round. She laid and lighted fire; washed up. Dusted and sweepered upstairs. I made yeast rolls. Beef (braised) and leeks. Apple Charlotte. Baden in car to Neasham re. lumber (Maude). I slept on sofa. At 4.30 made sponge cake, listened “The Gay Dolphin Adventure” (Children’s Hour). Made pastry (sausage rolls). Sausage pie supper. Plums and sponge cake.
Saturday 9th February 1946
Lovely day. Cooler but very sunny.
Boiled bit of bacon on griller. Wrote Alys lettercard about Zena. In garden, brushed dogs. Corned beef and rolls. Apple Charlotte warmed up. To post and then garden. Transplanted primroses and squills, and daffodils from wood. Rested 3.30 – 4.30. Out for coke. Leek and barley flakes soup. Corned beef and potato baked in oven with milk. Plums and sponge cake. “Murder on Second Floor” Frank Vosper. Good.
Memo:
7th Hunter.
9th Blain’s wages.
4th 12 eggs to Eva; 2 packets dried eggs, 1 dried milk.
6th 8 eggs. 2 chocolate, 2 socks to Phil.
Letter to Stokvis.
7th 20 eggs to Eva. 3 shirts to Phil. Letter to Alys.
Letter to J. Clark.
4th Bread – paid to Mrs Blain.
Syria and Lebanon ask removal of British and French troops (at U.N.O.)
Sunday 10th February 1946
Perfect a.m. and mild all day.
In garden doing path; lovely and warm. Cooked bit of beef in oven and made gravy but ate sausage rolls and sprouts, plums and cake and cream. Did up parcel of apples and onions and coffee (weighed 11lb). 50 minutes rest. Cooked slices apple in grey plate on griller. Also leek soup with rolled oats. Grilled bacon and egg. “Man of Property”. Priestley on America and Equality.
Monday 11th February 1946
Very mild, dull and windy.
Mrs Peacock cleaned out waterglass jar. I made new waterglass and put down 18 eggs and added 24 from January (already down). Packed 12 eggs and 1 chocolate for Phil. Wrote Alys. Peat pie and sausage pie and sprouts. “Five minute pudding”. Baden took parcels to Ravensworth to post registered. Rest. In garden with dogs. Raked path in wood and got sticks. Welsh rarebit with egg. Plums, sponge cake, cream.
Tuesday 12th February 1946
Mild. Dull. Rain in evening.
Zena didn’t come? Washed apron. Did more waterglass. Washed eggs, made bread and marmalade pudding. In garden; path. Sausage rolls and pudding. Rested early. In garden. Cleared snowdrops of old hay and weeds. Sawed log. Bacon and egg, grilled. Baked apples. Sewed Jaeger coat sleeve. Brains Trust good.
Wednesday 13th February 1946
Very mild. Dull.
To Richmond. Paid Wareing’s bill for wreath. Bought Seville oranges. Back 12.30. Sausage roll and leeks. Marmalade pudding. Made mince. Rest. Cut up oranges. Miss Peacock called and till 7.15. Omelette with mince in it. Baked apples. Made muslin bags for pips. To bed 10.50.
Thursday 14th February 1946
Dull and very mild.
Mrs Peacock cleaning kitchen and sitting room. I in garden; got up more primroses, cut brambles. Shepherds pie and leeks and beetroot. Baked apple. Packed sugar for Phil and to post with it so no rest. Marmalade simmering; stirred it. 5.45 (with sugar in then) till 7.30 before it would gel. Not boiling soon enough. Made 12lb exactly. Boiled egg, cake pudding supper at 8.35. Listening to ITMA. Washed things up till 10. Tired.
Friday 15th February 1946
Dull and very mild.
Milk boiled over, so cleaned stove and kettles. In garden, planted primroses. Shepherds pie and leeks, marmalade. Washed muslins (with pips and pulp). Rested 2 – 3. In garden. Baden and Nancy clipping creepers. Got up cock-grass. Put down 12 eggs. Washed marmalade jars (covered some). Leeks and M.O.F. soup with Ryvita. Cake pudding made up with marmalade juice from bags. Miss Peacock in to say Rand Mines £7.0.0 a share.
Saturday 16th February 1946
Very mild and fair.
Did up 12 eggs for Eva. Made apple sauce and custard. Mince and sprouts. Rhubarb and custard. Rest. Posted eggs. In garden with dogs. Lower path. Brought in some logs. Mended old egg box. Hard boiled egg and beetroot. Apple sauce. The robot play “R.U.R.” Karel Capek. Mending Jaeger coat. Lovely moonlight. Zeus and Kim out with me in it about 11 p.m. No coat on. Par-baked joint mutton, as warm. Tired.
Memo:
14th Hunter’s order.
11th 12 eggs, 1 chocolate to Phil. Apples, onions, coffee Eva.
14th Sugar to Phil. Lettercard to Doz in London; and Alys.
16th 12 eggs to Eva.
Sunday 17th February 1946
Lovely. Sun Warm.
Felt very tired and not brisk. Wrote Mrs Proud about Zena’s cold. In garden on seat and wrote Alys. There from 11 to 1.15 with dogs. No gardening. Mince and sprouts and potatoes warmed up. Rhubarb and cream. Rest and slept a bit, and listened “The Trial of Simon, Lord Lovat” and “World Goes By” with Kimmins. Read paper, grilled egg and bacon. Apple and custard. Priestley on Russia and Fraternity. Did up 12 eggs for Phil.
Monday 18th February 1946
Fair, mild, some sun.
Took my temperature. Mrs Peacock scrubbed all 3 outdoor steps to get green and moss off. I did up Nestlé’s (4) and coffee and 24 eggs. New felt in egg box where egg broke. Corned beef, fried with fried potatoes and beetroot. Rhubarb. Mrs B. Blain to her home with D. Brown. Long rest and sleep. In garden 30 minutes. Baden took parcels to post and to ask for Yorkshire Post at Bainbridge’s. Sorted recipes. Grilled chop with onions, potatoes, tomato powder. Eve pudding.
Tuesday 19th February 1946
Fine, sunny. Windy, colder.
Good night. Felt better. Zena didn’t come. In garden with dogs. Sat on seat. Wrote cheques, Badcock and Cox-Walker. Chop in oven and swedes. Warmed up Eve pudding and cake pudding. Long rest and slept. Out to post and garden. Baden finished off hedge – chipping, and brought 3 lemons in. So I cut up 6 Seville oranges and 2 lemons and put to soak. Sardines. Baked apple. Brains Trust. Alastair Cook. Lionel Hale.
Wednesday 20th February 1946
Gale. Colder. Sunny.
Put marmalade on to simmer 11 a.m. Washed jars. Had mutton lunch; baked apple. Began stirring and sugar about 1. Finished and set by 2. In jars 9lb. Baden made back door and front door bells work. Jack Thompson called. Talk about job and lodgings 11.30. Not feeling well all day. In garden on seat at 2.30. Rest on sofa 3.45 till 5. Welsh rarebit grilled and barley milk pudding.
Thursday 21st February 1946
Fine. Cold wind. Sunny.
Mrs Peacock did kitchen and sitting room. I did up tea and dried eggs (2) and dried milk; also 12 eggs. In garden. Sawed small logs. Saw Mrs B.B., gave me camellias. Mutton and sprouts. Barley flake pudding. Baden took parcels to Ravensworth. Wrote lettercard to Alys. Rested. In garden. Cold. “Treasure Island” 5 p.m. Covered marmalade. Boiled egg and corned beef and toast. ITMA 200th. “Warrant of Death” play till 10. Clifton Utley U.S. Commentary.
Friday 22nd February 1946
Fine a.m. duller p.m. Windy.
Out with Baden in garden, doing bonfire (lonicera) and burning grass. Mutton and sprouts, baked apples. Rest, slept. Out again; burning grass under washing lines. Baden and bill hung the pig joints up. Wrote Kit. Not feeling very well. Marked marmalade and put it away. Boiled egg, toast and cheese.
Saturday 23rd February 1946
Cold, windy. Some sun.
Very windy and cold so not out, except to post. Felt better. Made yeast rolls and gingerbread (from King’s mixture). Peat pie; baked apples. Rest and listened ‘Great-Uncle Upton”. Wrote Ella and Pickin, with rent. Baden to Ravensworth to ask about lodging for Jack Thompson. Bill Blain to Alnwick for weekend. Corned beef and rolls. Felt better all day. “Wife to James Whelan” by Teresa Deevy. Good.
Memo:
21st Pickin rent.
17th Wrote Alys (Stokvis).
18th Rent.
23rd Blain’s wages.
18th Sent 12 eggs Phil; 24 eggs Eva and Nestlé’s and coffee.
21st Sent 12 eggs Eva and tea. U.S. 2 dried eggs, 1 dried milk.
22nd Wrote Kitty.
23rd Wrote Ella.
Kimmins said Strasser might be President’s son.
Sunday 24th February 1946
Fine. Frosty, sunny.
Got braised beef ready and cooking. In garden, on seat. Beef, vegetables and baked apples. Wrote Alys and posted it, and one to Ella. Rested. “Man of God” 3.30. “Isaiah”. Lighted the fire. In garden, sawed logs. “Nottingham Castle” 5. Corned beef, pancakes. “Jane Eyre” 8.30. Darned stockings. Edward Murrow. A reporter remembers. Good. “Over Ten Million” B.B.C.
Monday 25th February 1946
Perfect day. Cold. Sunny, frost.
Mrs Peacock cleaned my room and halls. I out sawing logs and to see camellias. And Baden did bonfire on drive. Braised beef, baked apples. Lay out on seat for a hour 2 – 3. Posted paper handkerchief to Alys as she wired. Rest on sofa. In garden weeding path. Made breadcrumbs and marmalade pudding. Kraft melted cheese. Not feeling so well p.m. after 2 quite good days. James Bainbridge rang up. “Up at the Villa” play. Maugham.
Tuesday 26th February 1946
Very fine, cold and sunny.
Took Mrs B. Blain to Richmond and 4 dozen camellias to Cherry’s (4d each). To Alys’ bank. Coat to cleaners (Jaeger). Got fish. Posted 9 eggs to Phil. Smoked cod in milk in oven. Marmalade pudding. In garden. Rest. Breathing tight again so phoned Dr Woodsend about 5.30. Wrote lettercard to Alys about her flu. Boiled knuckle of ham. Cod row baked with margarine. Baked apple. Brains Trust. Horrabin. Oliphant.
Wednesday 27th February 1946
Perfect day. Hot sun.
In garden a little path weeding. Braised steak. Pudding warmed up. In garden with dogs and lay on seat for over an hour. Lovely. At 3.25 Dr Woodsend came. I’d lighted fire in nursery. Said B.P on the high side but not 190 (said it had been 3 years ago). Thought asthmatic. Heart good. Coming again. In garden. Fish and row under grill. Rhubarb and custard.
Thursday 28th February 1946
Perfect day. Sun and frost.
Mrs Peacock cleaned sitting room and kitchen. I did up 24 eggs in big box for Eva. Sawed logs in garden. Made curry for lunch. Rested 35 minutes on garden seat. Wrote lettercard to Alys there. In EYT to East Layton (1st time I’ve driven it). Posted parcel. Rested 1 hour on sofa. Miss Peacock at 7 – 7.45 and heard Zena and mother left Simpson’s! Phoned D. Simpson. Grilled bacon and egg. Pancakes with last lemon. 11.3 L.A.G. Strong, John McCormack.
Friday 1st March 1946
Perfect day. Sun and frost.
At 10.45 with Mrs Bill Blain to Richmond. In my car. She sold 12 dozen camellias, Cherry for Mess. Posted 2 packets paper handkerchiefs to Alys and real ones. Baked cod-steaks in milk. Gingerbread and custard. The boiler arrived in L.N.E. R. truck! Lay on garden seat about 45 minutes. Made rolls (yeast). Sawed logs. Only pea soup, Ryvita, rhubarb. Darned socks. “Man of the People” Lloyd George. Clifford Evans.
Saturday 2nd March 1946
Dullish. Cold frost. Faint sun.
Butcher (demobbed sailor) at 9.30. I got some tripe and boiled it and then stewed with onions in milk. Very good, for lunch. Also made apple soufflé with brown bread. In garden twice or three times with dog but too cold to sit. Rested. Listened rugger, Army v. Navy at Twickenham. Wrote letter to Phil with Albert Hall tickets. Fish (cod) in milk and rolls and rhubarb. “The Case of Lady Camber”. Vachell. Good.
Memo:
2nd Points End. Got steak 18 points.
24th Paid Dobinsons for Sunday 3rd too.
26th 9 eggs to Phil
25th Paper handkerchiefs to Alys.
28th 24 eggs to Eva. Camellias and 1 dried egg to Alys and lettercard.
1st 2 packets paper handkerchiefs to Alys.
2nd Letter to Phil with tickets.
Sunday 3rd March 1946
Snow nearly all day. Cold.
Awoke to thick snow. Very cold. Snowed all a.m. Arnold (on legs) and Nancy snow-ploughed. Roasted loin of mutton, but ate only gravy and sprouts and swedes in milk (white sauce). Wrote letter to Alys and Nancy posted it. Rested. Felt shivery and a bit sick. Read papers. Trial of Whistler Ruskin case “Fireworks at Cremorne” at 7. Jane Eyre 8.30. Ate only stewed apples and apricots for supper. 1910 Scrap book.
Monday 4th March 1946
Snow, sleet. Thaw.
Atkinson and both Blains and Arnold getting boiler stove fixed. All day till 7. Mrs Peacock cleaned fender and stove in nursery. I began bag for Eve. Wrote James with 3 nursery books. Wrote Alys. Stewed apricots and apple snow lunch; swede soup supper. To post in snow. Long rest p.m. “Trojan Women”. Hot bath!
Tuesday 5th March 1946
Mildish, some sleet.
Blains had to let stove out, to screw plate on cistern, as leaking. Melting snow poured through arcade, in kitchen. Swept it from Zeus’ bedroom. Pea soup and baked apples and barley flake pudding. Rest. With dogs to pond (still icy; slushy). Leeks, potato soup. Apricots. Did handles of Eve’s bag. Brains Trust. Sir Ernest Barker, 3/- life begins.
Wednesday 6th March 1946
Cold. Dullish. East wind.
Lighted fire. In nursery too, expecting Dr Woodsend who didn’t come. Packed 12 eggs for Eva and Belax bottle of orangeade for Alys. Wrote lettercard to Alys. Baden took all to East Layton to post. Pea soup, baked apple and barley pudding lunch. Leek soup, corned beef and potato cake under grill. Apricots. “All This is Ended”, Alldridge. 8 soldiers dead.
Thursday 7th March 1946
Sunny a.m. Dullish p.m.
Mrs Peacock lighted nursery fire and I sat there and did grey jumper alteration; she cleaned sitting room. Dr Woodsend appeared (unexpected) at 12. Men cutting down trees at back. Corned beef and sprouts. Rested but Zeus very noisy. Took dogs in garden. Tore up some letters. Began one to Doz. Welsh rarebit and plums. Did up 12 eggs for Phil. Listened “Trial of Jessie Maclachlan” 9.30 – 10.45.
Friday 8th March 1946
Perfect day. Frost and sun.
Only porridge for breakfast. In car, took Mrs Bill (4 dozen camellias to Cherry). To Singleton’s and Rolan. Floor-cloths obtainable at 1/2½ each! Got 2. Posted eggs to Phil and got 15/- token for Eve. Fried herring and baked apples. Rested and slept on garden seat in sun till 3.35. Watched men bringing down sycamore by henhouse. Corned beef and potato (grilled). Finished Doz’s letter. In bed by 10, for Detective Quiz. Battery out so came down in dressing gown.
Saturday 9th March 1946
Fine, sun not so hot. Misty. Frosty.
Butcher at 9! Mrs Peacock at 10 – 11. Did fires. I tore up letters. Did up 3 packets of chocolate for Phil and U.S. pork meat, stewed steak and dried eggs for Alys. Peat pie and sprouts, baked apple. Baden took parcels to Ravensworth and to Pinckney’s who will take Jack Thompson at 30/-. Made waterglass; eggs down. In garden twice with dogs. Leek soup, soused herring. “Laburnum Grove” Priestley’s play. Good.
Memo:
9th New batteries in both sets.
9th Blain’s wages.
7th Hunter.
4th Write James, with books. Letter to Alys. 6th lettercard to Alys.
6th 12 eggs to Eva. Orangeade to Alys.
8th 12 eggs to Phil.
9th Letter to Doz.
9th 3 chocolate to Phil. Stewed steak, pork meat, U.S. and dried eggs to Alys.
Sunday 10th March 1946
Fine. Frosty. Sun mostly.
Made apple sauce. In garden with dogs. Roasted loin mutton, but had corned beef and grated turnips and carrots, and potato (cooked). Plums and cream. Rest. In garden. Picked up chips and sticks. Wrote petrol request. Leek soup, boiled egg, baked apple. Made cake (Genoese) at 5.45. “Jane Eyre”.
Monday 11th March 1946
Dull. Some drizzle.
Mrs Peacock did bath and halls. Potatoes. I wrote Alys. Out. Soused herring, apple snow and cake. Rest. Out round woods to see wood-cutting. Saw big plane tree come down. Picked up chips for fire. Tired and no appetite. Tin of celery soup with milk added and Ryvita. Bill and Baden hung hams and sides up in sitting-room at 7.
Tuesday 12th March 1946
Dull.
Did up the 9lb piece of bacon. Alys phoned at 1.30 or so, and so I also did up “bath chap”. Baden took both to Ravensworth and registered them. Mutton and sprouts and potatoes, plums and cream and cake. Rest. Slept. Out at 4. Picked up chips. Men cut the dead tree and the copper beech down. Mended vest. Brains Trust.
Wednesday 13th March 1946
Dull and cold.
Did up 24 eggs for Eva in big box. Did up Locomotives of Gresley (Tock) for Phil. Baden posted them at East Layton at 2.30. Corned beef and a salad of potato and grated turnip and carrot. Plums. Rest and sleep. Out to see what trees had been felled in our little wood. Wrote D. Ellerton. Grilled bacon (ours) and egg. Phoned Dr Woodsend at 1 (out).
Thursday 14th March 1946
Very grey and cold.
Phoned Dr Woodsend about medicine. Mrs Peacock lit nursery fire and I sorted newspaper cuttings, Churchill speeches. Lettuce and potato salad and corned beef. Apple sauce. Rest. Zeus didn’t ask for dinner till 3 o’clock! Reading “Steer”. Out to see trees and got a few chips. Forester’s “Commodore” in Children’s Hour. Swede soup. Egg. ITMA. Joseph Haasch U.S. Commentary Russia and loan.
Friday 15th March 1946
Very cold and some sleet. Grey.
Did up bag for Eve and 12 eggs in one box and 19 eggs in another for Eva. Hot chop and leeks and potatoes. Baked apple. Men felling trees in our wood. Baden took parcels (and coffee) to post at Ravensworth. I rested till 3.45. Dr Woodsend at about 4. Took B.P. again but said nothing. Left tonic. Cut out Churchill’s speeches. Our bacon and egg and gooseberries. Football Dance at Granary, East Layton.
Saturday 16th March 1946
Very cold and grey.
Felt better. Made breadcrumb and marmalade pudding. Out to gardens and got lettuce 8d or 10d. Had corned beef. Rest. In garden getting chips with dogs. Mrs O’Brien and Maureen in (I’d phoned) and bought 2lb coffee. I gave her 1lb honey. Leek soup and egg. Miss Peacock in at 7.5 till 8.30! “Parnell” Wyndham Goldie as Parnell. Good. Katie O’Shea.
Memo:
12th 9lb bacon and bath chap to Alys. 2 parcels, registered.
13th 24 eggs Eva. Book to Phil, lettercard to Alys.
15th Bag to Eve; 12 eggs and 9 eggs to Eva. Coffee to Alys.
18th Eve’s 6th birthday. Send on Friday.
Sunday 17th March 1946
Slight snow. Cold.
Read papers. Cooked mutton and sprouts and pie with vegs. Gooseberry fool (with custard). Long rest and sleep on sofa. Out picking up chips, by felled trees. Read Punch and papers. Not hungry but had vegetable soup and Ryvita and apple. Washed gloves and Alys’ panties. “Jane Eyre”. Talk by Arthur Koestler.
Monday 18th March 1946
Mild. Fairish.
Finished sorting old papers, Churchill’s speeches. Mrs Peacock got sack of chips and also slack (latter “Charlie” took home). Peat pie and pudding. Rest. Slept. Out to gardens. Men starting “cutting in” big oak tree. Wrote lettercard to Alys. Wrote Kit in evening. Less head noises. Egg and gooseberry fool. “Anna Christie” Eugene O’Neill, Clair Luce. Good.
Tuesday 19th March 1946
Mild. Windy.
Washed things. Made apple pie. In garden. Mutton, sprouts, apple pudding. Rest after on lawn to see tree felling. Blains too. Watched big oak from bedroom window. It swung round onto path and steps. Salad and corned beef. Gooseberry fool and cake. Brains Trust.
Wednesday 20th March 1946
Mild. Very windy.
Did up 8 eggs for Phil. To Dunsa Bank to return books. Met D.B. Wen tin alone and chose 2 books. To Stanwix. Posted eggs, bought 2 Heinz spaghettis! 3 points each. Mutton and veg, treacle tart. Rest. Out to see tree-felling by garden wall. Read. Lettercard to Elsa re. Swiss trip! Barley flake soup, Ryvita, bread and cheese. Play “On The Night of October Tenth”.
Thursday 21st March 1946
Perfect day but still windy.
Ironed clothes (Alys’ and mine). Wrote lettercard to Alys on garden seat. Men chopping up oak on path. Felling finished today. Mrs Peacock did sitting room. To garden for lettuce. Corned beef and salad. Apple pie. Rest. Out in garden. Hunter. Packed up 2 boxes eggs – 12 and 9 for Eva, also my old gloves and a note. Leek soup and Ryvita. ITMA and “Rob Roy”.
Friday 22nd March 1946
Dull, slight showers. Mild.
To Richmond in car. Posted eggs. Got fish and grapefruit 2!!! Back at 12.10. Fish-cakes which I fried (bought ready-made). Baked apples. Rest. In garden. Tree trunks being cleared away. Cooked haddock, but too strong so for Zeus! Had kippers grilled and rhubarb pie (pastry from Tuesday). “Flotsam’s Follies”. To bed 9.45. “Armchair Detective” in bed and “Today in Parliament”.
Saturday 23rd March 1946
Brilliant sun. Some showers.
Mrs Peacock came 10 – 11. She got big basket chips. I in garden (no lettuces). Got tripe from butcher and stewed in milk with fried onions. Sprouts, very good. Apricots and cream and cake. Lay on garden seat in sun 30 minutes; then indoors (shower) and slept on couch. Baden got H.T. battery from Jackson for utility set (war). Bacon and egg fried. Treacle tartlet. Play “Eve” Dulcie Gray and Jean Cadell.
Memo:
19th Paid bread including 19th – Mrs Blain.
18th Rents. Blain’s wages. Sidney’s 10/-.
18th Lettercard to Alys.
19th Posted letter to Kitty
17th Reverend Horace Booth died.
20th 8 eggs to Phil (his refill day). Coffee to Alys.
22nd 12 eggs and 9 eggs and gloves to Eva.
22nd The first grapefruit for 6 years! (2)
Security Council of U.N.O. meets in New York.
27th Gromyko walked out (Persia question).
Sunday 24th March 1946
Fine, some clouds. Mild.
In garden, on seat. Read papers. Cooked ribs pork; but ate Peat pie and sprouts. Apricots and cake. On seat in garden then on couch and slept. In garden with dogs. Packed 24 eggs for Eva in big box. Veg soup, boiled egg, watercress, grapefruit! “Jane Eyre” (Belle Chrystall, Reginald Tate), “The Challenge of our Time” E.L. Woodward on has all this happened before? Wordsworth Tintern Abbey.
Monday 25th March 1946
Very fine.
Mrs Peacock washed paint in porch (Zeus’ room). I to Gilling, posted 24 eggs to Eva. No grapefruit so on to Richmond. Cod at Cherry’s (baked it for lunch; and sprouts). Rhubarb pie. Wrote Phil. Lay out on seat in sun till nearly 4. Maude (Contractors) to see branches. Peat pie and gravy. Apricots. “The Grain of Mustard Seed”. Political play Joyce Heron as Marjorie.
Tuesday 26th March 1946
Very warm and fine. Lovely.
Dr Woodsend phoned at 9.30. I in garden and lay on grass. To see Nora Blain about coming to help here, later on. Wrote Alys and told her. Bee syrup. Cold pork, beetroot and grated carrot and leek. Apple pie. Rested on sofa. Too hot on seat. In garden with dogs. Brushed Kimbo. Read paper. K-H. (King-Hall). Cod-fish, with grated cheese in oven. To bed 9.20 for “Appointment with Fear” The Nut-cracker Suite.
Wednesday 27th March 1946
Warm. Lovely.
Maude’s men clearing up. Did up Alys’ striped shirt and lizard shoes, and 2 maps, also 12 eggs. In car to Ravensworth, but parcels don’t go on Wednesday so to East Layton. Lay on lawn 40 minutes. With sunshade. Cold pork, beetroot, cress. Baked apple. Rested on lawn till 3.15. Dr Woodsend then (and Elizabeth and the girls). He took B.P. still up. Out in woods. Listened 2 playlets. Fish and cheese grilled, apple sauce. Darned stocking.
30th Boat Race.
Thursday 28th March 1946
Fine but hazy.
Mrs Peacock did sitting room and kitchen and washed Phil’s white cardigan. I lay on lawn a good time. Made bee syrup (2nd time). Cold pork, leeks, plums. Lay in garden, didn’t sleep. Posted coffee to Alys at Broadway. Men clearing up branches and sawing logs. Made ginger cake (king’s). Leek soup, boiled egg, watercress. Apple sauce, gingerbread. Holt called about chimney. IMTA. Haasch U.S.A. “Rob Roy”.
Friday 29th March 1946
Fine. Hazy. Warm.
To Richmond alone. Got plaice, Savoys and sugar soap and kippers. Paid 7.11 for hot bottle at Rolber’s. Filleted plaice baked in milk for lunch. Baked apples. Lay on seat in garden all p.m. Dozed. Baden to Atkinson’s about Holt’s chimney. Walked in wood and garden with dog; talked to B. Blain’s. leek soup, grilled kippers. Plums. Tore up lot of letters before supper. Didn’t feel very well all evening. Mended Phil’s cardigan. “Voyages of Discovery – The Voyage of the “Beagle””.
Saturday 30th March 1946
Fine, very warm and hazy.
Mrs Peacock came 10 – 11. I in garden a bit. Cooked neck mutton. Ate corned beef and salad. Picked chives myself. Mashed potatoes. Made syrup for bees (3rd). Rested on seat till 3; then in and listened “The Beard”, good little comedy by Hatton. Baden to Jackson’s for oil and H.T. battery for Bill Blain’s. Veg soup, fish with cheese grilled. Boat Race broadcast at 7.30. Made a Genoese cake in a.m.
Memo:
30th Points end period. 30th 3rd.
28th Hunter’s order. Paid bread (Blain for 26th.
25th 24 eggs to Eva (26th letter to Alys re. Nora Blain).
27th 12 eggs to Phil. Lizard shoes, blouse and 2 maps to Alys at Broadway, registered.
26th Bee syrup 1st, 28th 2nd.
28th Coffee to Alys at Broadway.
29th Sent on Nescafé to Broadway registered.
30th Lettercard to Alys.
Hottest spell for this time of year for 90 years – 75℉ in London on 3rd.
Sunday 31st March 1946
Very fine and warm.
Out on garden on seat and about. Put away wool lined shoes in “portable W.C.” Peat pie and kidney in pork fat and sprouts, plums and cake. Rested on seat in garden till 3.30. Then sofa and play. “It Speak for Itself” (River, Bridge, Bottle). Picked double daffs and green flowers and azalea shrub. Dorothy Brown called with books. Miss Moore in bed with them (high B.P.) Veg soup (tinned). Apples.
Monday 1st April 1946
Very warm and fine.
Mrs Peacock washed paint (Zeus’ room) with sugar soap. I packed 12 eggs (and posted to Eva at 4.10). Syrup for bees (3rd). Mutton, parsnips, sprouts, baked apples. Rested indoors. Men too near in garden, sawing logs. Slept. Walked in garden and wood. Got lettuce and chives. Salad and hard boiled egg. Veg soup. Plums. Dr Jaques rang up.
Tuesday 2nd April 1946
Very warm and fine.
In garden. Baden did lock of hut. Mutton cutlet (bit) sprouts, roast parsnips and potatoes. Baked apples. In hut all p.m. Zeus too (panting). Men chopping up oak tree on lawn. Lettercard to Alys at Broadway. Walked garden and wood. Bacon, fried bread. Plums and cake. Made apple sauce. Brains Trust. “Black Mamba, Appointment With Fear”.
Wednesday 3rd April 1946
Hottest day for 90 years on 3rd April.
At 10.30 with Baden driving to Darlington. Got dandelion coffee and Vecon; to Radio shop. At 11.30 to 160 Coniscliffe. About 11.45. Dr Jaques in and examined me very thoroughly till 12.40. On the whole cheering verdict. B.P. not dangerously high. Back, lunch about 2. Heinz spaghetti, Ryvita and apple sauce. Rest, slept on sofa. Bee syrup (4th). Walked in wood and garden. Packed 22 eggs. Mutton, sprouts and gingerbread.
“Lovely Cottage” won Grand National, Aintree – 5th
Thursday 4th April 1946
Duller. Warm, thundery all day.
Dandelion coffee. Mrs Peacock did sitting room. I packed 22 eggs for Eva, 9 eggs and chocolate for Phil. Engine pieces for Blackstone. Wrote lettercard Alys. Sardines and Blain bread. Apple sauce and cake. Rested, slept on sofa. Hunter came about 5. In garden after; posted lettercard to Alys about 6. Macaroni cheese, Ryvita. “How to Move House”, Stephen Potter, Joyce Grenfell. Good. ITMA. “Rob Roy”. American commentary Clifton Utley.
Friday 5th April 1946
Fine. Much cooler.
To Richmond with Mrs Bill, taking daffodils and forsythia to Cherry’s. Got yeast tablets (Phillips) and fish. Cooked cod steaks in oven with milk and cheese. Men tot all oak-tree off the lawn. Wrote “Health for All” again. In garden with dogs. Made peppermints and bee syrup. Hard boiled egg and watercress and beetroot. “Grand National” recording at 11.3 in bed.
Saturday 6th April 1946
Very fine. Cool.
Mrs Peacock cleaned up 10 – 11. In garden. Wrote cheques Kardomah and Meynell and mine for P.A. classes. Peat pie and sprouts; prunes. Made yeast rolls. Slept on sofa, so rolls over baked. In garden with dogs and then round by fields (Ireland’s). Fish grilled with cheese, baked apple. Miss Peacock at 8 – 9 (clever 2-way jumper). “Mrs McConaghy’s Money”, Hugh Quinn.
Memo:
3rd Dance for N.C. Clinic.
6th Blain’s wages.
1st James’ holidays begin. Alys to Broadway.
3rd 11.30 Dr Jaques, 160 Coniscliffe.
1st Bee syrup (3rd).
1st Sent 12 eggs Eva.
3rd Bee syrup (4th)
5th Bee syrup (5th).
4th Sent 22 eggs Eva. 9 eggs Phil, 1 chocolate.
9th Dalton’s Budget
Sunday 7th April 1946
Dull a.m. sunny p.m. Cool.
In garden, but windy and cool, so in. Wrote letter to Alys at Broadway. Roast pork and cabbage and roll, baked apple. Made bee syrup (6th). Slept on sofa (after garden with dogs). Read papers. Lettuce, chives, beetroot, corned beef, prunes. “Jane Eyre”. E. M. Forster on “Challenge of our Time”.
Monday 8th April 1946
Mostly sunny. Cool.
Mrs Peacock washed paint. I did waterglass for “dustbin” and put 24 eggs in. Cooked gooseberries (Camden). Hot pork and potatoes and dandelion leaves stewed. Apple sauce. Rest and sleep on sofa. Garden with dogs. Veg water soup, lettuce, beetroot, corned beef. “Hamlet” in World’s Theatre. Barry Morse, Sara Jackson in 2 parts before and after News.
Tuesday 9th April 1946
Fine, cool.
To Richmond; fish, oranges! Peppermint at Pybus. Bee sugar paper. Parcel. Cod steaks in oven with cheese. Bee syrup. Rest on sofa. At 3.30 to Dobinson’s about Hilda. In garden. Electricity failed. Candles. Dynamo wrong. To bed and “Appointment with Fear” 9.30. Edgar Allen Poe’s “The Cask of Amontillado”, Laidman Brown.
Wednesday 10th April 1946
Fine (very).
Harland from Cox-Walker’s came. Baden took burnt-out dynamo to Darlington in p.m. in my car. I wrote Alys (in garden) and Clark re. Binks, and Ella (last night) about Chris Sandeman’s death. Pork and nettles (stewed), apple sauce. Slept in hut, got lamps filled and ready. Salad and corned beef, gooseberry fool. Candles. “The Ringer”.
Summer Time begins 13th clocks forward.
Thursday 11th April 1946
Dull. Cool. Windy.
Mrs Peacock did sitting room. I did up 24 eggs for Eva. 12 eggs and 1 chocolate Phil. Dr Woodsend appeared at 12. Fish and cheese in oven. Gooseberry fool. Baden took parcels to Richmond and got mantle for Bill’s lamp. Rested on sofa. In garden. Worked a long time at bonfires with Maude (the Contractor for clearing up). Hard boiled egg by lamp and candlelight. ITMA. “Rob Roy”. To bed 10.35.
Friday 12th April 1946
Fine, cool, sun and clouds.
Laundry. Alys’ letter about Poz’s stroke. Wrote Doz and Alys (about Binks). Pork and parsnips in fat. Baked apples. Put 24 eggs in waterglass. Rested in hut. In wood. Men trouble with engine of tractor. Posted coffee on to Alys at Northwood. Began patch for armchair arm. Veg soup (tin), Ryvita, bread and cheese. Gooseberry fool and cake. Nasty attack of asthma at 8. Went on till 11.30.
Saturday 13th April 1946
Fine. Mild.
Alys phoned from Eva’s at 9.45 or so. In garden a bit. Went on with chair cover. Did up 3 of Alys’ nightgowns. Baden took to East Layton and read. Peat pie and sprouts. Baked apple and cake. Bee syrup. Wrote Edith Sandeman and Kitty. Slept on sofa (dreamt). Chair coverl and in garden. Alys wire about Easter at Kit’s and Barbara to F.B.’s (Fred Barnard’s = Poz and Doz). Soup, bread and cheese, watercress. “The Sport of King’s”. Ian Hay. Not very good.
Memo:
9th Hair trim, Miss Andrews.
1/- Food Office
8th Began Dust Bin.
7th Bee syrup (6th), 9th Syrup (7th), 11th Syrup (8th),13th Syrup (9th).
9th Sent honey and Nescafé to Alys at Broadway
11th 24 eggs Eva, 12 eggs 1 chocolate Phil.
12th Coffee on to Alys at Northwood.
Not to Browns on Wednesday to tea.
8 days without electricity (candles and paraffin lamps and stoves).
Put clocks 1 hour forward.
Sunday 14th April 1946
Very fine and warm.
Sewed chair cover. Put eggs down. Cooked mutton (very small). Ate Peat pie and 1 small leek and parsnips. Rested in hut all p.m. Slept and read paper. About in garden. Cut with razor blade mower. Made salad-dressing (Farmhouse Fare). Egg and watercress.
Monday 15th April 1946
Very fine and warm.
Mrs Peacock did halls. I finished patch. Baden cleared lawn for mowing (of twigs). Mutton and sprouts and potatoes. Plums. Bee syrup. Slept on sofa (too soundly and dreams). Wrote Poz. Weeded path by garden gate. Shallots and veg water soup. Apples and gingerbread. To bed 9.30.
Tuesday 16th April 1946
Fine. Cooler and cloudy in p.m.
Baden mowed lawn. I made sponge-cake (Wardle). Hot mutton and nettles and potatoes. Apple and cake. Rested, but not asleep. Wrote lettercards to Kitty, Alys, Ella. Baden to Hutton for plug or mower. In garden. Rona, daffodils, lettuce. Egg and salad. Plums and cake. Cox-Walker phoned – dynamo ready! Brains Trust good.
Wednesday 17th April 1946
Dullish. Fair. Cool.
Cooked apples and burnt them, while out picking dandelion leaves. Alys wired and at 5.30 or so phoned about cockerels, and Binks. Mutton and dandelion. Apples. Rest on sofa, slept. Cut grass by heather and weeded on path. Rested. To Baden’s re. cocks. (Baden at 8 a.m., to fetch dynamo and he got electricity on again!!
Thursday 18th April 1946
Fair. Moderate.
Letter from Alys about house Hurley. Mrs Peacock plucked and drew 2 cockerels. It took 2 ½ hours. I packed 12 eggs for Eva. Baden sawed a bit of ham off old pig. Egg and salad, bread and cheese. Put ham on to boil. Threw away water when boiled and boiled in fresh water. Phoned Woodsend. Hunter came. 15 minutes rest; then 5 – 5.45 listening “Brendon Chase”. In garden with dogs. Wrote Ella lettercard (about my lost letter). Blain took eggs and coffee to post Ravensworth. Ham, plums and cake. ITMA. In bed. “The Tackley Poltergeist”, near Oxford. Tonic from Dr Woodsend.
Friday 19th April 1946
Very fine. Windy.
Packed 2 cockerels, and piece of ham and Blain took to Darlington and sent on 11.35 train. Phoned Eva (and wired from Darlington) to meet at 5.13. In garden. Put bee sugar away and cleared up. Fried egg and chicken liver. Apple sauce and cake. Watercress. Rested in hut. Out with dogs. Wrote Clark (about Binks) and Pickin (rent), card to Elsa Beckman at Davos. Sardines and toast. Made peppermints. “Armchair Detective” in bed 10.10.
Saturday 20th April 1946
Dull a.m. Very little rain in p.m. Mild. No fire.
Did up 24 eggs for Eva (Blain took at 1.15). Made yeast rolls. Peat pie and lettuce. Baked apple. Rest and slept on sofa, till 3.30. Then dressed and to Brown’s in car (returned book). Tea there (Miss Moore down, better). H.H. and soldier cousin boy back with me and tested razor, took 2 books. Read paper. Grilled liver and onions and rolls. Prunes. “Candida” Phyllis Neilson-Terry.
Memo:
Finished “Adam Bede”. Began new tonic Thursday, I think.
18th Pickin rent
20th Blain’s wages. Sidney’s 10/-.
15th Rents
16th lawn mowed first time.
15th Bee syrup (10) – 50lb
17th Shallots, tea, lard, dried eggs to Eva – registered.
18th 12 eggs (coffee) to Alys to Eva.
19th 2 fowls and bit of ham to Eva.
20th 24 eggs Eva
Sunday 21st April 1946
Lovely and sunny. Windy.
In garden; and wrote Alys indoors, enclosing Barbara’s letter. Roast pork and cauliflower. Baked apples. Rested in hut. In at 3.45 for play “Mr Supple and Mr Strait”, Blair. Garden again. Did some Income Tax reclaim and wrote Bank for vouchers. Jane Eyre. Corned beef and salad and rolls, prunes. Anderson on Death of Maynard Keynes.
Monday 22nd April 1946
Finish. Mildish. Some sun.
Mrs Peacock kitchen nd sitting room. I in garden and nursery. Made pastry. Pork and cauli-greens and rhubarb tart. Rest and sleep. Garden. Brushed dogs. Made egg-box for sending Phil (no more here). Soup, asparagus (1st), egg. Rolls. William Pickles’ Quiz rather fun. Asthma (slight).
Tuesday 23rd April 1946
Fair. Mild. Sun and dull.
Did up Phil’s eggs and chocolate; Baden took it to Barnard Castle at 1 to post, and to see his doctor. In garden. Sifted flour. Pork and nettles (which I gathered). Treacle tart. Rest and sleep on sofa. Out with dogs. In garden. Liver and onions and a bit of bacon cut off piece hanging in sitting-room (asparagus soup). Prunes. Good Brains Trust. “The Man Who Knew How” – Appointment with Fear.
Wednesday 24th April 1946
Cooler, dullish.
Machined green a zipper on to grey jumper. To garden for lettuce and chives. Corned beef and salad. Rhubarb pie and cream. Rest, sleep. Out with dogs. Went on with grey jumper and 2 plays “The White Cat” and “The Brushwood Boy” (Lewis Stringer). Asparagus soup with yolk egg, Ryvita, bacon fat. “Leave it to Me” short play, Lindley Fraser meeting of Foreign Minister.
Thursday 25th April 1946
Some rain. Cool.
Mrs Peacock in p.m. and did front porch, hall. Sorted out piece drawer. Lit fire in a.m. Fried bacon, liver and onion. Rhubarb pie and cream. Wrote Alys and Kitty Rested in nursery slept. Out with dogs all about and in field. 2 cans of weed-killer on path. Welsh rarebit with egg. ITMA. “The Demon Drummer”, Poltergeist.
Friday 26th April 1946
Showery.
Did laundry (but they didn’t come). Finished Income Tax Claim and posted it. Pork, potatoes, tinned peas. Treacle tart. Sleep on sofa. Out and sowed sweet rocket, lupins. Weeded path. Hard boiled egg, salad, apple snow. Esther McCracken “Wot Cheor Geordie”, Water of Tyne. Arthur Askey and Kenneth Horne. “John Brown’s Body”, musical, poetic but good. Douglas Montgomery, Narrator. Author Stephen Vincent Benet.
Saturday 27th April 1946
Cold, windy, grey.
Lit fire in a.m. Mended back of black and white jumper, patched. Pork and peas with mint and potatoes. Treacle tart. Cooked rhubarb. Slept on sofa. A walk with dogs through fields. Weeded and got chips. Mended suspenders. “When Day was Done” good little play 3.35. Carol (John) as Day and Knight. Play by Fred Carlton. Welsh rarebit and rhubarb. Fairly good “Music Hall”. “Death at Newton-Stewart”, murder at Bank by constable.
Memo:
22nd 1st rhubarb (out) and 1st asparagus.
23rd 12 eggs, 1 chocolate to Phil, Barnard Castle.
25th lettercard to Alys at Kits. Letter to Kitty. Lettercard Phil Sime.
26th Income Tax Claim sent in.
Felt better and strong these last 10 days.
Sunday 28th April 1946
Dull. Coldish.
Out for lettuce and chives and nettles. Lit fire 10.45. Cooked loin mutton. But ate Peat pie and nettles (stewed with Vecon gravy). Apple sauce and cream. Rest. At 4 “Winter Rose”. Out with dogs; just as came in, H.H. and D. Brown called (about 5.30) Borrowed books. Sent Albert Hall tickets to Kit. Egg in salad; jam tartlet. Packed 24 eggs for Eva while “Jane Eyre”. Baden sent eggs off.
Monday 29th April 1946
Dull, cold.
Mrs Peacock cleaned kitchen and sitting room. I stained floor in nursery. Out and got dandelion leaves for veg. Had them with Peat pie. Rhubarb and cream and cake. Slept on sofa. Out with dogs. In about 4.30 (for “Traitors Gate”, Sir Thomas More). John Clark and brother-in-law (Uganda). In. Got tea ready and they back for it at 5 or so. Made gelatine mousse of damson jam. Sardines. “Wallace Case”, Eliot Makeham. Blanco on Phil’s shoes.
Tuesday 30th April 1946
Dull. Rain most of day. Weed-killer.
Looked out Alys’ frocks. Blains got bacon down and cut off pieces. Made veg stew and mutton chops in. Wrote Alys letter; lettercard and cheque to Eva. Rest and sleep. Out with dogs. Weed-killer. Made buttonholes. Bacon and fried bread. Damson mousse. Brains Trust. Worked at buttonholes till 9.10. Upstairs. Radio silent.
Wednesday 1st May 1946
Cold and dull.
To Richmond in car alone. To Phil’s Bank for £20. Got fish. Warmed stew up and rhubarb and custard. Sleep on sofa. Baden got new H.T. Battery at Jackson’s for Pye. Wrote lettercard to Doz. 2 Plays “The Dancing Bear” and “Bomber’s Moon” in p.m. and “The Tunnel” at 7 – 7.45. Cathleen Nesbitt. Good. Made sponge cake at 5.30. Blains cut bacon off.
4th A year ago surrender signed at Lüneberg by Nazis in Montgomery’s tent.
Commemorations this year in Holland and Denmark.
Thursday 2nd May 1946
Mild. Dullish in evening.
Mrs Peacock plucked and cleaned cockerel. Lettercard to Kitty. I packed bacon for Kitty and bacon and chicken for Alys. Lunch rather late. Stew and cabbage, baked apples. Rest and sleep 45 minutes, then packed 12 eggs and took to post with lettercard to Alys. Baden took the 2 bacon parcels and coffee to Ravensworth. Hunter came. In garden weeding. Made buttonholes and sewed buttons on cardigan. Soused herrings; cake and custard. “Bounden Duty”, musical play.
Friday 3rd May 1946
Dull a.m. Fine and mild p.m.
Blain and I in my car to Darlington; he drove. We fetched my wireless set. Bought stockings. Back 12.15. Sausage rolls, rhubarb and cake. Rest and sleep. Baden mowed lawn. I did some cutting and weeding borders. Made a fish, cheese and potato soufflé for supper. Apples. 9.30 “Falling birth rate” (The Reluctant Stork) Nesta Pain produced. I in bed and for “Armchair Detectives” and Thesiger in a fantasy “Senior & Co.”
Saturday 4th May 1946
Warm. Fine and duller later. Thundery feeling.
Butcher at 8.45. Looked for Alys’ shoes and collected dresses. Hot Peat pie and sausage roll and stewed lettuce. Rhubarb, cake, cream. Rest and sleep. In garden with dogs. Clipped grass and got lettuces. Hot and stormy. Made yeast rolls at 1 – 3. Soused herrings and rolls. Veg soup first. Wrote Eva de Baeremaecker. Began it. “If Four Walls Told” good, little play by Edward Percy. Flora Robson as Liz Rysing. Natural daughter.
Memo:
Blain’s wages.
29th 24 eggs to Eva (Blain at Ravensworth).
New Points period begins 29th
2nd 5lb bacon to Kitty, 6¾lb bacon and chicken to Alys, 12 eggs to Eva. Coffee to Alys. 12 eggs to Phil.
Sunday 5th May 1946
Very cold North wind. Dull.
Wrote letter to Eva de Baeremaecker. In garden, but very cold wind. Par-roasted pork. Ate corned beef and salad, marmalade and crumb pudding. Wrote lettercard to Alys with slip for cheque book. Rest and sleep, Zeus barking all p.m. 3.40 “A Village Wooing” 2 conversations by Bernard Shaw – Derrick Guyler and Lucille Lisle. At 7 “Queen Victoria Was Furious”, Elizabeth Garrett Anderson, 1st English Woman doctor. Bacon and bread. Rhubarb. “Jane Eyre” (last). “Scrapbook for 1901”.
Monday 6th May 1946
Very cold wind. Sunny p.m.
Packed Aly’s frocks and shoes. Blain took them to Ravensworth and registered. In garden. Mrs Peacock bathroom and halls. Roast pork and stewed lettuce and roast potatoes. Bread pudding. Slept on my bed p.m. (away from Zeus). In garden weeding. Wrote Ella. Welsh rarebit. “Juno and the Paycock”, Sean O’Casey.
Tuesday 7th May 1946
Dull. Cold.
Blain and I took my radio to Darlington. They’ll send it to the makers; Rectifier gone. Got bread, fish, sausage rolls. Had latter for lunch, salad, and baked apples. Rest. Sleep on sofa. Out with dogs. Got wood. Some unpicking. Cod steaks and cheese grilled, tough. Rhubarb and cake. Brains Trust “A bore is one who talks about himself when you want to talk about yourself”. “Experiment with Death – Appointment with Fear.”
Wednesday 8th May 1946
Fine.
Made curry for the cod fish. With Blain to Hutton. Sent off shick to Phil registered. Viewed things for sale at Vicarage 12. Home 12.40. Curried fish, baked apple. Slept on sofa. Looked out clothes waned by Phil and Alys. In garden. Blain mowed the lawn. Phoned Alys re. list and heard she has Baumer’s House! Sausage rolls and gravy. Patched chair cover.
U.S. Loan to Britain passed in Senate.
8th V.E. Day 1945.
Thursday 9th May 1946
Fine. Windy.
Baden and I to Mutton Magna vicarage for Auction. Blain back to dinner at 12.15 and then I went at 1. Mrs Peacock came in p.m. I back (after curried fish) and was at sale, but mattresses went up to £17.0.0 and bought very old mat for 24/- (to be cleaned!) Home about 5. Alys phoned at 1 o’clock about clothes and measurement of cupboard. Welsh rarebit. Miss Peacock at 8.10 till 9 so no ITMA!
Friday 10th May 1946
Fine day.
Dr Woodsend phoned at 8.45! I packed suitcase with Phil’s and Alys’ clothes. Nestlé’s and parcel of spirit stove, towel, pullover, Nestlé’s and 12 eggs. Took rug (Booth) to Smith’s with station and Post Office. In 3.15 p.m. Hot pork and potatoes and apple snow. Rest for 40 minutes. Letter to Alys with measures of cupboard and key of suitcase. In garden with dogs and around. Corned beef and salad. Rhubarb and new sponge cake, made at 6. Miss Holt came at 7.45 to say goodbye. Asthma at 2 – 4 a.m.
Saturday 11th May 1946
Fine. Coolish.
Maude’s men came and sawed wood. I wrote Max, about Derby Football ground. Peat pie and cabbage. Rest. Play 2.30 – 3. Ursula Bloom “Sometime, Somewhere” and not very good. Didn’t sleep. In garden with dogs. Got wood. D. Simpson came for permission on shoot rooks. Tripe and onions. Rhubarb. Wrote Kitty. “The Younger Generation” by Stanley Houghton.
Sunday 12th May 1946
Fine.
Washed jumper and dried in garden. Cooked loin mutton with potatoes round, cabbage. Apple snow. Rest. Posted letter to Kitty. In garden and around with dogs. Sewed chair cover. “Queen Victoria was Furious”, Emily Davies, Girton founder at 7. Cold pork, toast and jam. “Dombey and Son” at 8.30 Sewed.
Monday 13th May 1946
Dull. Very little sun. Cool.
FInishd patching chair cover for Mrs Peacock to take. She sugar-soaped “Doghouse”. Packed 24 eggs for Eva; and towels and chocolate to Alys. Baden took them to Ravensworth at 2.15. Then I lunched having upset saucepan and broken griller! Alys phoned. I wrote to her and posted. Talk Mrs Pringle and out with dogs so only rested 4.30 – 5.30. Made ginger steam pudding. “Comedy of Good and Evil”. Mervyn Johns. By Richard Hughes.
Tuesday 14th May 1946
Cold, sunny.
Did up griller handle and wrote Stokes Appliances; did up 12 eggs. (Zeus’ nose blocked). Hot mutton and toast potatoes and lettuce stewed. Baden took parcels to post at 2.15. Rested. In garden with dogs. Talked Maude who was working with his boys. Corned beef and salad. Rhubarb. Brains Trust. In bed 9.30 for “Appointment With Fear – Death takes a Honeymoon”. N.B. Could smell cowslips.
Wednesday 15th May 1946
Cold. Sunny.
Letter from Alys with list for Hoults. Looked some out. Mutton and peas (tin) with mint and treacle pudding (burnt). Rest. Lettercard to Alys. Play. “Writer Unknown”. Ruth Martin. “Miss Gildersmith’s daughter”, Barnard Stacey, good. In garden and to warehouse. Zeus’ breathing bad and tummy distended. Simpsons rook shooting. Pilchards, rhubarb. “The Fight for Mr Lapraik”, Barrie.
Thursday 16th May 1946
Showers and sun. Cold.
Phoned Hill and Barth: about Zeus. Mrs Peacock washed yellow cupboard and swept green carpet. Mr Johnson (vet) came and said Zeus’ cough and dropsy was from heart. Sending medication. Mutton and peas and gravy. Prunes. Rest. Told Baden about new house and told Bill Blain’s after supper. Washed socks, looked out things for Hoult’s to take. 5. “Rabbit Hill”. Pilchards, rhubarb, cake and cream. “Pinnochio” Walt Disney. “Best of Benchley” Admiral and Doorman.
Friday 17th May 1946
Cold. Some sun.
Baden and I gave Zeus medicine and tablets. To Richmond; took 2 pairs of curtains (velvet) to cleaners. Got “ducks”. To Bank (my cheque). Back at 12.20. “Duck” and salad and ginger and treacle pudding: hot. Rested, slept. Baden cut the lawn. Maude finished trunks out of garden – wood. To warehouse for hour or so, clearing drawers. Gave Zeus medicine: again, Baden came. Pilchards and prunes. After 11 p.m. News Lord Wavell (Viceroy of India).
Saturday 18th May 1946
Cool. Windy. Very little sun.
Odd clearing ups. Waterglass on. Eggs dustbin (rainwater kind). Looked out big kettle. 2 Peat pies and gravy. Rhubarb (but fizzy). Rest. Out with dogs getting wood and nettles and bonfire. In greenhouses, talking. Sesta and kitten. Egg with 2 yolks (hardboiled), lettuce and watercress. Prunes. “Justice” Galsworthy. Hugh Burdon – Falder. The Young Advocate – Ivan Brandt. Ivor Barnard – Cokeson.
Memo:
16th Eva and Eve to Cornwall (night).
13th Rents
17th Ravensworth.
Alys and Phil June 14th?
18th Blain’s wages. Sidney.
13th 24 eggs to Eva, 3 bath towels and 2 chocolate to Alys.
14th 12 eggs to Eva. Griller handle to Stokes.
17th Began Zeus’ medicine and pills.
Sunday 19th May 1946
Dull. Coolish.
Odd jobs. Cooked gooseberries (Camden). Roast pork, stewed lettuce, roast potatoes, gooseberries. Rest. Out with dogs. Wrote Alys re. Zeus. To warehouse and looking in drawers, sideboard and chests with view to packing and sending off. Veg soup, corned beef. “Millicent Fawcett” 7. Made sponge cakes. Kenneth Clark on Art. “Dombey and Son” 8.30.
Monday 20th May 1946
Thundery. Dull. Mild. Showers.
Mrs Peacock cleaned my room and kettles. Made custard. Wrote Doz and Alys (enclosing Doz’s note). Roast pork, stewed nettles, gooseberry fool. Rest. In garden with dogs. Zeus’ cough bad. To warehouse. Packe cups and cutlery. Cleared up a little. Welsh rarebit wih egg. Gooseberries and cream. “The King of Nowhere”. James Bridie (mad actor).
Tuesday 21st May 1946
Thundery showers and sun. Milder.
Got blankets and put in cupboard. Cut big lettuce. Stewed it, with roast pork and roast potatoes. Rest. Out to warehouse and to pay Mrs Blain for 8 weeks’ bread. Packed plates, jugs and saucepans in yellow chest. Also cups and saucers. In garden with dogs. Wrote lettercard to Kitty in garden. Posted it at 8.10. Fried bacon and egg. Cake and jam. Brains Trust. Balzac’s story of bricking up lover.
Wednesday 22nd May 1946
Fine, cool.
Letters from Alys and Ernest. Packed 12 eggs and also 2 tins marmalade and tin-opener. Pork and stewed lettuce and gooseberries and custard. Rest. Blain and Atkinson to Barnard castle to get oven for Pinckney’s and post parcels and Dr for Baden. In garden and to warehouse. 3 good little plays and at 6.55 Leon. M. Lion in “Over the Bridge” (Ben) by Farjeon. Sardines and rhubarb. Phoned Ernest 8.35.
Thursday 23rd May 1946
Fine and warm.
Mrs Peacock brushed carpets and mats for 12 Grove Road. We took down curtains in Eva’s and Alcove room. Shook and brushed them in garden. Took pillow to warehouse. Wrote Hoult’s and Dr Woodsend, with cheque. Pork, lettuce stewed, baked apples. Rest. Out to warehouse. Fish-van came, got kippers (for supper grilled) and soused some herrings. Miss Peacock at 7.45 till 9. Zeus’ cough better today.
Friday 24th May 1946
Dull. Mild.
Laundry. To warehouse and washed chests of drawers. Soused herring lunch and baked apples. Rest. Out with dogs and all round. Found young rook, dying. To warehouse again and more tidying up. Cobwebs very long brush. Baden got stung putting syrup in swarm hive. Cauliflower with cheese sauce, rhubarb and cake. “Forever Arthur” (Askey), good. “Cap & Bells” very good.
Saturday 25th May 1946
Dullish, fair.
Butcher came 8.20!! Did up 9 eggs and Alys’ pumps. To warehouse. Put kettles in. Hoult phoned. Wire from Alys, so did up my mackintosh (as Alys’ cape too old) and Alys’ blue suit, in middle of lunch (Peat pies and stewed lettuce). Baden took all 3 parcels to Ravensworth. Rested. Garden and warehouse again. Packing things in drawers. Kippers and rhubarb and cream and cake. “Fresh Fields” Ivor Novello play. Lilian Braithwaite. Very good.
Memo:
Points Period ends.
25th Smelt Zeus’ smells.
21st Paid Mrs Blain for bread, including 21st. 6/- 8 weeks.
Finished reading “Starvecrow Farm”.
22nd 2 tins marmalade, 12 eggs to Cornwall
Bees swarmed 23rd and 24th. Made syrup for swarm hive.
25th 9 eggs, 2 pairs Phil’s stockings; Alys’ pumps, Alys’ suit (blue), clothes, registered.
Sunday 26th May 1946
Dull. Mild.
Put more blankets in cupboard and put labels on things. Made stew of loin mutton. Soused herring lunch and baked apple. Rest. Deep sleep. Out with dogs. Counted rents money for Clark. To warehouse and filled drawers up. Zeus coughing a lot. In garden again with dogs. Soup (with tomato powder) and corned beef. Rhubarb. “Dombey and Son”. Lord Lindsay in “The Challenge of our time”. “The Apothecary” Henrik Ege, Borgia.
Monday 27th May 1946
Dull. Mild.
Mrs Peacock helped with mattresses and mats and cleaned sitting room. I with Baden and Binks arranging furniture for Hoult’s, warehouse and here. Stew for lunch; cakes and jam. Made scones (for Clark) but Kenneth Clark came at 2.10 and took rents, and away. Rested 2.45 – 3.45. Out with dogs, warehouse and all round. Looked out curtains to send. Corned beef at 8 o’clock and scones and apple snow. Zeus unhappy with cough and breathing. Sat by him till 10.45. Cried too.
Tuesday 28th May 1946
Fair. Showers p.m.
To Richmond to both Banks and cleaners (Booth rug). Paxtons and Mattisons for steamer bottom. Stew with tinned peas in. Rhubarb. Rested early. To warehouse and re-arranged things. With dogs in garden. To wash kitchen table in warehouse. Zeus coughing a lot in p.m. Slightly less in evening. Asparagus, hard boiled egg. Apple sauce. Brains Trust.
Wednesday 29th May 1946
Fine.
Waiting about for Hoults (who expected 10 – 11). In garden, stew and rhubarb and cream. Read papers. Hoults arrived about 3.30! via Richmond. Gilroy, foreman and young demobbed (Imperial Airways) lad. Took things from here and warehouse. I made tea for them. Finished at about 6. To deliver at 12 Grove Road, Northwood on 31st. Asparagus soup with egg-yolk and Ryvita. Apple snow and ginger-cake (bought).
Thursday 30th May 1946
Mild. Thunder showers in p.m.
Binks scythed banks and he and Baden mowed lawn. Zeus’ cough better. Mrs Peacock did halls and stairs. Bill B’s had visitors from Northumberland. I packed 12 eggs and 1 chocolate for Alys. Put 36 eggs down in waterglass. Stew and rhubarb. Rest. (men asked time twice during p.m!) Cooked cod steaks. Made Genoese cake. Grilled kippers and scones; cake. Took Wadie’s photos out of frames. Clifton Utley commentary. Wrote Alys.
Friday 31st May 1946
Mild. Thundery. Showers in p.m.
Wrote to Ernest Miles who sent cheque £50. Binks in garden again. Baked fish, and baked apples. Rest till 3. At 3.30 in car to White House Farm to see if Simpson (Rose’s sister) could come and help here. Mended lambskin gloves. “Tregower Inheritance” at 5.15. Soup (from stew), kippers, rhubarb. Askey. Smuts’ address.
Saturday 1st June 1946
Cool. Windy.
Butcher at 9.20 (to others first). Paid Binks his first week. Made yeast rolls. Made syrup (bees) again. Peat pies and asparagus (soup asparagus) and gravy. Rest till 3. Play “The Man who Murdered Himself” by Lionel Brown (Laidman Browne, 2 bodies, and one spirit, typhoon). Got leafy lettuces and sorted and washed them. Out with dogs; got cowslips and bluebells. Fried liver and onions and rhubarb and cake. “Sweet Lavender” not good, though from Pinero.
Memo:
Points begin.
Call for rug this week.
27th Binks begins – paid him 1 week 3.13.1.
27th Clark for rents.
29th Hoults come.
Blain’s wages and Binks? 1 week.
30th Fishvan at 5 or so. Hunter too.
30th 12 eggs 1 chocolate to Cornwall. Letter to Alys.
Sunday 2nd June 1946
Showers and sunshine. Mild.
Washed my hair, before shower bath. Cooked first fresh gooseberries. In garden. Roast pork and stewed lettuce and roll. Gooseberries. Rest till 3.30. In garden and out with dogs. To warehouse and moved chairs off linen chest. Zeus coughing a bit more. Wrote Clark about cheque. Asparagus soup, hard boiled egg and salad. Mended lambs-wool gloves. “Dombey and Son” and a man “Lawrence” on Russia, after 9 News.
Monday 3rd June 1946
Hot sun. Some dull times.
To Ravensworth to get new ration book and met Hilda and talked. Last points at Stanwix. Mrs Peacock cleaned sitting room and kitchen. Roast pork and potatoes and lettuce (warmed up), gooseberries. Rest. Garden. Binks clearing top path of weeds. Hilda came and said coming Wednesday. Brushed Zeus on lawn. Soup and curried macaroni, Ryvita. “Three Sisters” by Chekhov.
Tuesday 4th June 1946
Very windy. Dull.
To Richmond at 10.45. Hair trim at Andrew’s. (Food Office). Bought hot bottle 7.6 Robson’s. Got fish-kettle re-bottomed 3/6. Back 12.30. Roast pork and potatoes and tinned peas. Rest. Out with dogs, wood. Got lettuces. Mrs O’Brien for coffee. Hard boiled egg and salad. Noodle soup first. Finished “Manon Lescaut” by Abbe Prévost.
Wednesday 5th June 1946
Gale, Sunny. South Westerly.
Hilda at 10. Showed her her work here. She let at 11. Packed 9 eggs and 1 chocolate. Wrote Phil. Roast pork, stewed lettuce, rhubarb. To garage in gale, Baden and Binks doing EYT’s oil leak. Roof blown off hive. Baden took parcel to East Layton and to Watson’s with EYT. I rested. Out with dogs. Zeus in hut. Made gingerbread (King’s) and peppermints. Soup of peas and Welsh rarebit.
Thursday 6th June 1946
Fine. Cool.
Mrs Peacock brushed carpets in all front rooms upstairs. Wrote Handy, with cheque and Bank. Pork and potatoes, gooseberries. Rest, sleep. Darned socks and stockings. In garden. Made custard. Fish-van came. Boiled cod and potatoes together (as Boston cookbook) and made fish-pie of some. Gillie Potter and ITMA (as Miss Peacock didn’t’ come!).
Friday 7th June 1946
Warm, very fine. Swarm (first).
Letter from Alys. S.O.S. eggs. So concocted an egg-box from “Black Magic”. Wrote Alys. Pork and cauliflower. Rhubarb. Baden took parcel to Ravensworth and got yeast. Rest about 50 minutes. In garden. Binks doing path and mowed lawn. I cut by rock0garden. Cheese-sauce over fish (filleted cod), gooseberries and custard and cake. Miss Peacock in at 8. Butcher came 8.45!! Zeus sicked up lump of meat.
Saturday 8th June 1946
Dull but no rain here (rain in London all p.m.)
Hild came 10. I did cleaning in Phil’s bedroom, whie she did usual work. Roasted mutton but ate Peat pie and cauliflower. Rhubarb. Rest. In garden with dogs. Zeus’ leg swollen and chest. Cut grass with shears. “The First of the Few” at 5 about Mitchell who designed spitfires and died. All day Victory March descriptions on wireless. Egg and asparagus, gooseberries and custard. Good music hall, Cecily Courtneige sang. Good song.
Memo:
8th Victory Parade.
3rd James 15/-. His 9th birthday.
5th Hilda Dobinson 10 a.m. at 1/- an hour.
5th 9 eggs and 1 chocolate to Alys. Letter to Phil.
7th 9 eggs and cheese to Alys. Letter too.
Sunday 9th June 1946
Fine, sun in a.m. Dark later.
Write letters to Doz and Kitty. Roast mutton, cauliflower (warmed up). Gingerbread. Made yeast rolls. ¾ hour rest. Then again on sofa and “Robin Goes to School” 3.15 by H. Oldfield Box. In garden. Zeus slow and stiff and coughing. Sewed zip on green blouse. “Dombey and Son”. Sauce with asparagus. Water and cheese and flour over cold cauliflower. Gooseberries.
Monday 10th June 1946
Rain. Clear later.
Letter from Doz saying Poz dying. Put gold on fire-place. Cold meat and salad. Rest. Out with dogs. Zeus seemed better. Wrote Alys, Kitty, Ella about Poz and to post (none goes today). Alys phoned 8 p.m. telling of wire saying Poz died this morning. Wrote Doz, and post 8.30. “The Second Man” Behrman.
Tuesday 11th June 1946
Fine.
Hilda came 10 – 11. To warehouse and burned papers indices and 2 paraffin stoves lit to dry “linen chest”. At 12.45 hot mutton, stewed lettuce, rhubarb. Wrote Ella. To warehouse again. Baden and Binks got drawer out. At 4.10 or so in garden. Zeus no appetite but less cough. Cheese toasts, Grantham. “The Seventh Veil” from film by the Boxes (Muriel and Sydney Box). Darned socks.
Wednesday 12th June 1946
Very cool and thunder showers.
Waterglass eggs smelt so took out and found 6 had craced. All washed and put in empty jar. Put 26 fresh ones down. Hot mutton and veg gravy. Bread and marmalade pudding. Rested at 2.20 and only woke at 4.35! Out with dogs to warehouse via wood to fetch broom. Zeus not coughing much. Made sponge cakes. Heinz spaghetti, Ryvita. Rhubarb, cake. Did up eggs and measure. Kitty phoned. Poz’s cremation Cheltenham 13th.
Thursday 13th June 1946
Fine, warmer.
2 mend came (sent by Ernest) to value for Insurance and I took them over the house, and Blain took them over whole estate, all day. Mrs Peacock cleaned sitting-room. Mutton and potatoes and cabbage. Marmalade pudding. Rest till 330 Zeus had dinner then, Out and brushed dogs on lawn. Hunter came. Fish man didn’t, strike? To Ravensworth and posted Yard Measure and 12 eggs to Alys. Bought Victory stamps. Ulster broth and rhubarb. Zeus coughed more. Madge Pemberton’s play “Philip Skelton”.
Friday 14th June 1946
Dull Cool.
To Richmond to Bank and to buy Insurance stamps. Took Dennis’ clock to corn chandler; ready in 14 days. Back at 12. Fried herrings in oatmeal. Rest and heavy sleep till 3. To yard. Baden and Binks putting up chicken hut. Baden put drawer back in “linen-chest”. Zeus very restless and swollen. Egg and salad; rhubarb. Very sleepy, so couldn’t stay up for Marco Polo. To bed 10.
Saturday 15th June 1946
Dullish. Mild.
Hilda came 2 hours and dusted Alys’ and Phil’s rooms. Maude finished wood clearance and took 2 old boilers for £1. I wrote Elise Premereur, 88 rue Dupont, Schaerbeek. Peat pie and colcannon. Gingerbread. Rest. Out with dogs. Zeus very swollen and breathless, happy with bone. Cut grass by heather. Mended socks. Egg salad, rhubarb. “Canaries Sometimes Sing” by Fred Lonsdale. Lydia Sherwood. Felix Aylmer, Jack Melford and Marian Spencer.
Memo:
10th Poz died
13th Pickin rent
15th Alys, Eva and Eve leave Perranporth.
12th Phil to Broadway from Perranporth.
13th Posted yard measure registered and 12 eggs to Northwood.
14th Coffee to Northwood.
15th Wrote Elise.
Sunday 16th June 1946
Mild. Dullish. Rain in p.m. Showers.
Cleaned looking-glasses. Sat in garden with dogs till 12. Cooked pork. Had Peat pie and stewed lettuce. Rest. Not out with dogs. Made yeast rolls (began 1 o’clock). “That Distant Bliss” play by Eric Wright, good. 3.55 Zeus very troubled by breathing. Couldn’t lie down. Wrote Pickin with rent. Pea soup (tin), rhubarb. “Dombey and Son”. Strachey, new Food Minister talked 9.15 – 9.30.
Monday 17th June 1946
Fair. Mild.
Langstaff came. Baden not very well. Binks cleared up arcade. Mrs Peacock cleared nursery. Did up 9 eggs and wrote lettercard to Alys. Hot pork and potatoes, lettuce (warmed up), gooseberries and bread pudding. 50 minute rest. Took eggs to post 4. In garden and to yard with dogs. Cut grass by heather. Zeus coughed much less. Alys phoned about 6.30. Omelette.
Tuesday 18th June 1946
Very showery.
Making mat of puttees for Kimbo. Out, but rained so back with dogs. Pork and cabbage. Greenhouse. Rest. Miss D. Brown came. Advised on Zeus. To O’Brien’s and phoned Hill and Bartholomew to come tomorrow (our phone out of order). To yard with dogs and talked Bill Blain’s on way back. Zeus sat by fire all evening but couldn’t lie down.
Wednesday 19th June 1946
Fine a.m. Thundery.
Phoned Dr Woodsend. Hilda did bedrooms. I waited about from 10 -12.10 for vet. Aylwood. He injected Zeus’ heart with novocaine. Binks dug grave. Ate lunch somehow. Did up parcels and Baden took them. Phoned Hunter, Peat, Barnes, Station and Eva. Did laundry. To garden for lettuce. Packed. Cheese and egg grilled. Plums. Made pork and lettuce and tomato sandwiches. To bed 11.30 or later.
Northwood. 6 Murray Road.
Thursday 20th June 1946
Very fine (with showers).
Got up 5.30. At 7.30 Baden drove me Darlington. 8.45 to Kings Cross. Wing Co (Singapore). Alys met me 1.35 or so (for 1.20). Taxi to Baker Street. To Northwood. 6 Murray Road. Rest. Tea with Eva and Eve (back from school). Then all in Baby Austin to 12 Grove Road. Phil came there – all over house and garden. Exciting! Back and told Phil about Zeus. Supper in kitchen. To bed before 9. Alys and Phil away to sleep at 12 Grove Road.
Friday 21st June 1946
Very fine.
Eva took Eve to school 8.30. I had breakfast alone. Dried crockery and told Eva about Woodsend. To shops with Eva. Kitty came 12. We 4 to lunch at café. I paid 13/- (with tip). I back 6 Murray Road. Alys, Eva and Kitty to see 12 Grove Road. I rested, and packed bag and with Kit to Finchley Road. Walked up to 53 Frognal. Tea in Kit’s new top flat. Both rested, slept. Kit cooked new potatoes, carrots, fish-cakes. Junket and blackcurrant purée. Wrote coach station, booked seat and posted letter. To bed 10.
Saturday 22nd June 1946
Very fine and warm.
Breakfast 8.30. Kippers! Walked with Kit to Finchley Road. Train (after Barnes) to Northwood. Shopped. Bought lunch food and ate it at 6 Murray Road (Eva and Eve at James’ sports). Alys and Phil at Ashridge, Gordon’s. Rested, slept. Alys and Phil in at 4. Tea. Phil rested and then to meet Berry’s at Charing Cross. They all back 7.40 with James for ½ term. Supper – eggs. Alys and Phil away. Eva and James to bed 9.15 or so.
Memo:
22nd Pointed period ends.
17th Posted 9 eggs Eva; lettercard to Alys
19th 12 eggs, coffee and margarine and lard and cheese to 6 Murray Road.
Sunday 23rd June 1946
Very warm. Thundery.
Breakfast 9. Children in garden cutting grass, weeding Eva and I scraped potatoes in garden. Alys and Phil came 12.30 and Phil took me to Ruislip Orchard to lovely lunch. Told him about my B.P. in winter. Back and rested. Slept. Alys and Phil to 12 Grove Road. At 4 Eva, James, Eve and I in Baby Austin to tea at 12 Grove Road on terrace. Back at 7. I planted out marrows, and we watered tomatoes. Alys and Phil to supper.
Broadway
Monday 24th June 1946
Fine. Warm.
Posted egg box to Blain. Eva and James saw me off to Baker Street 11.45. Taxi to Victoria and coach station. Lunch bad (3.3) + tip. At 3. Coach to Broadway. Changed at Oxford. Arrived Broadway 7,15, Lucy and Tades , wheeled-chair for suitcase, met me. To Sands Meadow. Doz and Nell Moir. Supper. Soup (noodle) salad, meat, junket and cream. To bed about 10.
Tuesday 25th June 1946
Dull. Rain at 5.
Breakfast 9. Wrote Blain with cheque wages and Alys (lettercard). To Post Office with Doz. To Lucy’s on way back. Baked fish, potato, cabbage, plum tart. Rest and slept 2.30 – 4. Lady-Dr Willoughby to tea with Doz and me. Read Times and did crossword. Baked cheesy-dish and salad with tomatoes. Junket and cream. News and Moiseiwitsch recital. Crossword. To bed about 10.
Wednesday 26th June 1946
Thundery showers. Mild and finer later.
To Lucy’s; and sent off R.P. telegram to Teeds about seeing her. Wrote Phil Sime about Nell’s death (in Times). Fried bacon and sausage, potato, cabbage, plum pie. Rest till 4.30. After tea, all walked along lane to road. Past railway bridge (boys fall from parapet). Back 7.20. baked fish with herbs and mushrooms. U.S.A. junket. News. Talk by Sir Alex Cadogan. Crossword. To bed 10.20. Hot bath. Finished Biffin and Buffin.
Bread rationing to begin July 21st, announced 27th June.
Thursday 27th June 1946
Pouring rain most of day.
Cleaned shoes with Nell’s things. Called for Lucy at 12.25 and to St Patrick’s for lunch. 10/1 with tip!! Coach at 1.30 to Cheltenham 2/6 return. To Banks to meet Teeds, who not there. Took bus to Battledown; but not there. Bus to Centre. Phoned Doz (4 p.m.). To Police Station. Gingerbeer at Kadena. Searched for taxi (camouflaged as private cars). To Police Station. Taxi to 2 Battledown Approach. Teeds there. 5 to 6. Taxi, at 6 to Coach. Left Cheltenham at 6.30. Broadway 7.30. Boiled egg and kipper and cake. New. Bread rationing on 21st July. Parnell and Piggott play till 10.30.
Friday 28th June 1946
Fine, windy.
With Doz in Poz’s room, looking over her things. Wrote lettercard to Alys and Eva. At 1 out to Broadway Hotel where I gave us all lunch. 3/6 each. 6d each drinks. Up village and Doz got Turkish delight and chocolate peppermints. Back through Lygon and cat with kittens. Sat in garden on Chelsea seat. Rested. Tea. Nellie took me to Dr Houghton’s garden and all round with him till 7.25. Cold sausages and salad. (with chives, parsley, mint). Hot barley flakes pudding. News and crossword. To bed about 11. (Nell bath earlier).
Saturday 29th June 1946
Windy. Mild.
Did up Alys’ nightgowns and Poz’s moccasins to post. Wrote Murray for oatmeal! Roast pork (like veal) stuffed Paxo (and extra sage), cabbage and potato. All sat in garden till about 3. Rests. I dried up and Nell washed up first. Tea. Read Times and Punch. Sardine salad, boiled eggs (first), junket. Crossword. Lucy in to sleep, at 10.20.
Memo:
28th Clock ready at dog biscuit shop.
29th Blain and Binks’ wages. Sent £16 cheque to Blain 25th.
29th Wrote Daniel Murray for 7lb oatmeal.
Atom bomb experiments at Bikini 30th, 1st.
2nd hottest day since August 1945
Sunday 30th June 1946
Dull – warm.
Doz and I to visit Maud Caffin, blind, brave, pathetic. Rest and to tea with Lucy. Took pram back. Doz and I did path-clearing till nearly 8 and hedge-clipping. Made sandwich. Sunday Times crossword. Very difficult.
Monday 1st July 1946
Fine and hot p.m.
Pushed Nellie’s and my suitcases to coach-stop. Doz too. At 10.15 off (or later). Ate sandwiches at Oxford in coach. Arrived Victoria 3.15. Taxi to Baker Street (Nellie to her club). To Northwood. Alys and Eve and I had tea. Eva and Phil distempering at No 12. Sardines and eggs. Watered tomatoes. Alys and Phil away and we to bed 8.50.
Tuesday 2nd July 1946
Very hot but breeze. Hottest since August 1945.
Eva off with Eve to school 8.15. I with Alys and Phil in his car to 77 King Henry’s Road. Phil to Ford’s. Keys missing and cupboards locked. Bought rolls and potted meat. England’s Lane. Ate it at 77 King Henry’s Road. To 72 Adelaide Road. Talked to Miss Pickin (Lily). Bus to Swiss Cottage. Train Northwood. Tea. Alys to 12 Grove Road. Phil back about 6. Wrote Blain. Cold mutton and lettuce. Cocoa. 9 News with Phil. In garden with Eva. To bed 10.
Wednesday 3rd July 1946
Very hot. Fine.
After Eve to school, I wrote Doz and then Eva and I to 12 Grove Road in Baby Austin. Sat round and discussed furniture. Electrician and tree fellers (Pope busy). Alys and I to lunch at Durham 2/- each. Phil to Eva’s. Rest, after washing stockings. Alys took bacon back to boil. Tea. Then to 12 Grove Road and all ate strawberries. Back at 6.50. Eve to bed. I made “gooey” for supper. Alys and Phil away 9.30.
Thursday 4th July 1946
Cool, fine.
Thunderstorm 1 a.m. Wrote Nellie Moir re. Club. Eva and I to 12 Grove Road. Mrs Bearcroft with Eva to book seats Durham 12.30. Lunch there, first Eva, Phil and I (got oranges 22 allocation). Then Alys at 1.10. I paid all as birthday present to Alys. 19/- with 1/6 tip. Alys and I shopped a bit. Got chocolate ration (for Phil). To Eva’s. All rested. Alys back to 12 Grove Road. Eva/Eve and I had tea. Made waterglass. Cleaned up egg-boxes. Alys and Phil at 7.45. Cold bacon supper. Kitty phoned. To bed 9.30.
Friday 5th July 1946
Cool, fine.
Phil calledfor Eva and me at 10.30 or so, (Eva’s car seats being fixed). At 12 Grove Road Eva and Phil distempered; Alys and I measured rooms. Alys and I to cook steak, peas at 6 Murray Road. Eva drove car back and brought Phil and all lunched about 1.15. Rest. Wrote Baden lettercard about Wednesday. Wardle, Peacock, order to Guy Hunter. (Rations for 2). Out to post. Met light (Anderson at Slade). Tea. Put eggs in waterglass and packed up boxes. John Alan in, and his mother. Alys to supper. Phil to Watford to supper. Dr Matthews.
Saturday 6th July 1946
Fine, warm.
Eva’s birthday. Breakfast with Eva and Eve (no school). Mrs Bearcroft came for her. Eva to shops. I read paper on sofa. Alys and Phil came. Shelled peas with Eve I garden. Alys cooked joint gravy. Barley kernels pudding. Rest after washing up with Alys. Eva and Phil and Eve in garden. Mrs Gibb lost Eve. Eva in car to find Mrs Gibb after Eve home. Tea. Barbara lost key or box-room. To 12 Grove Road at 5.30. Phil lying on terrace. Weeded. Bacon supper at 6. Watered plants.
Memo:
5th Laundry
2nd Lettercard to Blain with £1 note for laundry.
4th Alys 62nd and Eva’s 37th birthday.
5th Wrote Blain coming Wednesday 10th probably. Wardle and Peacock. Wrote Hunter with order. Eggbox to Blain.
Sunday 7th July 1946
Fine. Hot. Breezy.
All breakfast about 9.15. Sat in garden. Eve very good, sun-suit and tadpole. Mended gloves, read papers. Eva did potatoes. Alys and Phil at 1.10. Cold beef, cabbage, jelly. Rest. Tea about 5. Phil in his car and took me to 12 Grove Road and Eva and Eve for ride (to fill battery of car). I talked Alys. Got distemper off floor. To Eva’s to supper. Corned beef and ham. Alys and Phil away 9.25. Teddy’s birthday. Watered plants.
Monday 8th July 1946
Fine. Warm.
To Bank to change cheque. Posted eggbox. At 10.35 with Alys and Phil in his car to 77 King Henry’s Road. Pickin brought keys. Opened wardrobe. Carpet, moths! To Ernest’s. To Ford’s for gasket. To Thornett’s and Lab. Got looking-glasses. Coffee at Sagne’s with meringue 2/6 each. Phil to Smart’s (refill). Alys to Maples. I bought stockings, Glatt’s. All back to 12 Grove Road. I picked spinach. To Eva’s. Stew, she’d made, potatoes, spinach. Eve temperature 101℉.
Tuesday 9th July 1946
Fine, hot.
Eve over 99℉. In bed all day. Miss Streeton came 10 – 12 and 2/- hour. Sent wire to Blain, postponing. Phil and I in his car to 77 King Henry’s Road and looked out rugs and other mothable things. Bought D.D.T. Lunch, England’s Lane. 77 King Henry’s Road until 2.15. Back to 12 Grove Road. Rested on Phil’s bed, he on verandah. Alys to shops and Eva in car. Phil and I dragged Persian carpet on grass. All to Eva’s 7.30 boiled eggs. Phil took Eva and me drive to Batchworth Heath, Moor Park. To bed 9.40.
Wednesday 10th July 1946
Fine. hot.
Eve subnormal. Eva to shops and I showed Eve “designoscope” in her bed. She up later. I took eggboxes to Post Office. Met Alys and with her to Electricity Co. Then lunch at Durham’s. Alys later and Phil too. I back and washed gloves and rested. Tea with Eva and Eve. In garden, tadpole has legs! Alys and Phil at 7.20 bringing Persian carpets and mats. Fried eggs and sausages. Cocoa. Alys and Phil away 9.20. Watered marrows. To bed.
Thursday 11th July 1946
Very hot and fine.
Eva to hairdresser 10.15. I looked after Eve who got up at 10.30. Mrs Bearcroft all a.m. Packed, and then in garden with Eve. Orange and sewing. Eva back 11.40 and to fetch Alys and Phil to station in Baby Austin. I to station. Alys, Phil and I to Baker Street and lunch Chilton Court 3/6 and ices 6d. Taxi to Kings Cross. Sat in “Enquiries” and train at 3.30 (got in about 2.45) to Darlington. Sandwiches and eggs at 5.30. Arrived Darlington 8.30 (due 8.8). Blain met us with EYT. Phil drove to Layton. Eggs and spaghetti. In garden. Kimbo. To bed 11.15.
Friday 12th July 1946
Hot, fine.
Hilda came 10 – 12. We went round measuring. To Richmond in EYT and had lunch 13/6 at King’s Head at 1. Alys drove to Miss Pease’s with Dennis’ thin coat. To Banks. Fetched clock with strike mended 10/. Phil to Murphy’s. Back about 4. Coffee at 4.45. To warehouse a good while and oxtail soup and pilchards in kitchen, cocoa. To gardens. Talked to Blains. To bed about 10.
Saturday 13th July 1946
Hot, dullish.
Hilda 10 – 11.15. Paid wages. Binks took hams. To laundry. Alys wrote to Ernest Miles about Kay. EYT punctured. To Barnard Castle in BHN. Got bread. To Morritt Arms to lunch 4/-. To Jackson’s, got inner tube and H.T. for Pye. All rested 2.30 – 4. Made porridge, coffee (Phil only). Alys felt sick and had nothing. All of us doing china decisions – sell or keep. Alys to bed and only orangeade and soda and sugar. We roasted the beef joint. Scrambled eggs for Phil and me, cocoa. To gardens. Phil told me stories of his casualty patients – Charles Hawtrey (Hartree).
Memo:
8th Rents, 11th Hunter
13th Blain and Binks wages
8th Phil to Smart.
8th Eggbox to Blain and 1 to us.
9th Wire to Blain.
10th 2 eggboxes to us
13th H.T. for Pye.
U.S.A. loan to Great Britain goes through in Congress and Senate. After 1951 we begin pay back £35,000,000 per annum for 50 years.
Sunday 14th July 1946
Showery. Colder.
Alys in bed all day, headache, tummy-ache. Only orangeade. Heinz chicken soup at 7.45 p.m. Got ham (old pig) on to boil in big kitchen. Cold beef, peas and new potatoes. Phil catering out medicine shelves in Alys’ room. Told me Chief Justice McKinnon story, Eton, Aldborough (Aitchison Dr). Rests in p.m. Took off ham at 4. Tea. In Alys’ room talking till 7.15. Corned beef, salad, cocoa. Phil helping a lot all day. He packed Mink’s Taps and Dies. To bed about 10.
Monday 15th July 1946
Dull, cool, showery.
Hilda came 10 – 11. Mrs Peacock 9.30 cleaned bathroom and Eva’s room (for Ernest). Blain got extractor fixed up. Beef, corned beef and potato and hot lettuce. Alys on bed 10.30 – 12.30. Phil and I in and all got list for Hoult’s man ready. In p.m. Phil and Blain took off 25lb honey. I long call on Mrs Dobinson re. Hilda. 30 minutes rest. After tea, stewed plums, talked Mrs Elgey (in drive). Ham, salad. Cocoa. Made custard. Talked over Hoult list, which load. To bed 10.40. Cozy stove.
Tuesday 16th July 1946
Fine.
To Richmond in my car alone. Labour Exchange for bread ration papers (Blain and Binks). Fish, clock to Metcalf’s and got oyster grit. Foxhall. Bread. Alys got lunch – peas, cold beef and potato. Stewed plums, custard. Wrote Doz and to post. Soused herrings. 30 minutes rest. Tea. At 4.40 arrived Mr Frederick Hoult and had tea with us. Tomatoes and honey and coffee. He round with Phil to estimate vans’ cost of removal to Northwood. I cut grass (clippers). Soused herrings and ham.
Wednesday 17th July 1946
Rainy, sun.
Hilda 10 – 11.45. Mrs Elgey won about Friday. In EYT to Richmond. Persian mat to Smith’s. Lunch at King’s Head. Home at 2.15. Phil wrote 7 letters. Alys and I rested on our beds. Tea. Phil and I in laundry sorting tea-chests’ contents (from Ashridge) and burning. Alys doing her desk. She made omelettes; kipper on toast, plums, custard. Talk on Loan.
Thursday 18th July 1946
Rainy, on and off all day. Thundery.
Letter from Eva de Baeremaecker. Mrs Peacock and Hilda. Baden cut corner of ham and Alys boiled it. Phil in top room going through Rex and Jim Embleton’s boxes. I cutting and burning Dennis’ black suits. Bits to Peacock for rugs. Cold beef, lettuce, potato, cheese. Rests on bed. Mrs Peacock stayed (ham lunch) till 5. Cleaned sitting-room and kitchen. I wrote Eva and Miss Holt. Alys got Ernest’s room ready. Fried eggs, bacon and tomatoes. Cocoa. To gardens. Talk with Bill Blain. Raspberries raw and Phil and I ate them. Cooked some too. To bed 10.5.
Friday 19th July 1946
Fair.
Did fire and housework with Alys (no one to help). Wrote cheques Meynell, Kardomah. Alys made hash for lunch, stewed lettuce; got a scratch on throat (wire?) Phoned Dr Woodsend and Alys and I drove EYT to see him. He could find nothing, took my B.P. (high). To O’Brien’s and Blain’s to pay and coffee. Cooked and Alys and I ham. 7.30 Phil to meet Ernest at Darlington. They back 9. Had fish (grill) and ham, peas, potatoes, raspberries and custard. Sherry, whisky. Phil took Ernest all over the house. To bed 11. Eva phoned Teddy.
Saturday 20th July 1946
Fair.
After breakfast, Phil took Ernest over gardens and stables. John Clark came and with them. Map of Estate on hall floor. I to Barnard Castle for bread and got emergencies and got fish. Alys got stew for lunch, salad and potatoes. Stewed gooseberries, custard and U.S. pork. All talked of selling or letting House and Estate. John Clark thought value might be £50,000. Phil took Ernest to Darlington for 4.49 train. We gave John Clark tea. All had tea with Phil back. All in garden and then warehouse. Miss Peacock in. Soused herrings. Raspberries.
Memo:
19th Laundry.
Ernest 8.8 p.m. 20th Clark 10.30. a.m.
14th Sent of paper for Tyre permit. Received back 19th
15th 25lb honey (1st).
16th Clock to Metcalf
3/9 bread including 16th Paid for last time.
18th 12 eggs and coffee Eva.
Bread Rationing began 21st
Sunday 21st July 1946
Cool, grey. Rain at 6.
Upset coffee and broke pot. Shelled broad beans (1st) and did new potatoes. Cold beef and U.S. pork lunch. Gooseberries. Wrote Hoult’s and Alys signed contract. Removal £150.0.0 and 12th August. To post. Rested. Slept on sofa. Phil in hut. No tea. Alys and Phil coffee and toast. Alys arranging blankets and sheets. Oiled suitcase expanders. Phil ran “General Goring” and took small engine to pieces. Soup, ham and soused herring. News. Talk on Bread Rationing. To bed 10.30.
Monday 22nd July 1946
Dull.
Phil and I did books in big sitting-room all a.m. Mrs Peacock and Hilda here. Books in little (Boyd) case in p.m. and frost book case. Rests at 2.40. On bed. Read “Mr Lucton’s Freedom” and then slept. “Tea”. Binks scythed the round lawn in front. Read letters from Mother to Edward re. Boshes. Burnt Geoff’s drawings. Did more books. Alys fried eggs and bacon. Phil at his lathe. Packed 9 eggs. To bed 10.20.
Tuesday 23rd July 1946
Very warm. Windy.
All 3 to Darlington in EYT. Got bread with coupons (Bread Units), chocolate. Lunched at Imperial Hotel. Phil took shoes for mending. Also to Starling and Allen and Cox-Walker. Back about 3.30. Short rests. Tea, scones and bread. Binks doing drive. Packed things in white drawers from bow-fronted. Phil ran black engine. Alys wrote letters. Kippers (grill) and stewed raspberries. “Love Goes to Press” V. Cowles.
Wednesday 24th July 1946
Very fine p.m.
Phil to Darlington with Dennis’ clothes for re-fitting. Starling and Allen. Hilda came. Alys and I did crockery in Zeus’ room. Mince, peas and potatoes. Plums and raspberries. Wrote petrol paper and Bank. Rested. Baden in BHN to fetch Richardson for bookcase. He had tea and a long time looking at mahogany, stables, attics and measuring. All to warehouse. Scrambled eggs 8.1.5. Vicar called. To bed 10.
Thursday 25th July 1946
Fair. Mild.
Mrs Peacock brushed carpets; cleaned sitting room and kitchen. Hilda brushed Alys’ room. Phil burning Dennis’ case files in smoke room all a.m. and other times. All to lunch at Morritt. Rested (slept on sofa). Ireland harrowed front circular lawn with mare Kitty? Binks doing drive on hill. Alys and Phil in top room, running trains. I doing store-cupboard a little. Bath chap and salad. Plums and custard. Hunter came and forgot bread!!!! (respite for 24 hours. Phil wrote letter for Meynell to take Richardson.
Friday 26th July 1946
Rain (heavy).
Meynell came to carry mahogany to Richardson. Blain with him. Alys and I to Richmond in EYT for bread and Banks. Back at 12. Tinned steak, broad beans, gooseberries, custard. Rest. Read on my bed. Wrote Hoult’s first. Alys to about bricks. After tea, books, a few. Phil did his bookcase (in sunroom). Soup, sausages on grill. Phil at lathe all evening.
Saturday 27th July 1946
Fair. Very heavy showers. Cool.
Butcher at 8.30. Hilda 10 – 11. Did up parcel of Phil’s razor. Wrote R.S.P.B. (with £1.1.0) and Fuel Office with form for coke. All to Catterick to Bridge Hotel 1 o’clock lunch (about 5/-). To Richmond and posted Phil’s razor, registered. No bread anywhere. Back 2.30. Rests. Measured carpets for our bedrooms. Did stores in Zeus’ room. To garden for lettuces. Corned beef and bath chap and salad and potatoes. Gooseberries. Alys put gooseberries through sieve. To bed about 9.45.
Memo:
21st Bread Rationing begins 23rd.
Posted 9 eggs and camera bit to Eva and Teddy.
27th Blain’s and Binks’ wages.
24th Wrote for 20 gallons petrol.
Tonbridge v. Clifton won match by 2 runs. Cowdrey aged 13. “Wrong end of telescope”.
Sunday 28th July 1946
Fine till 5 then rain.
Blain Bros to Lake District in coach. Phil cleared out his stillroom drawer. I cleared bottom bow-fronted in to suitcase (green). All of us to Low Row, Feetham) through Reeth and lunch at the Punchbowl 5/-. Back through Arkengarthdale; at 3. Rests. Lighted Cozy stove. Sewed puttees for Kimbo’s basket. Burnt papers. Alys mending and sorting. Bath chap and corned beef. Gooseberry fool (with cornflour). Read papers. A. Bryant on Drake. To bed 10.30.
Monday 29th July 1946
Fair. Sun and wind.
Mrs Peacock sewed Alys’ carpet. Hilda 10 – 12. Phil cleared his bookcase drawers. I did up parcels for laundry and Gordon Cleaning Co. Phil’s coat, Alys’ black skirt. Alys’ spectacles to Bruce Green. Cold mutton, lettuce hot, cheese and biscuits. Phil to Richmond; Got bread, posted parcels. I rested. Then wrote Kitty. Burnt rubbish. Packed canvasses in box. Alys took Mrs Peacock back (she sewed in p.m. too). Alys fried bacon, eggs and tomatoes and made sandwiches for Phil. Read “Kitty Foyle” Christopher Morley, Pennsylvania.
Tuesday 30th July 1946
Fine but very windy.
Alys and Phil to Darlington in BHN. Phil away 8.45. Alys to Binns for hair-trim and shops. I did alcove room carpet with carpetine and packed canvasses, sketch books in cardboard box. Alys back and lunch 12.30. Cold mutton, potatoe salad, cheese. Rested. Unpicked waistcoat. Packed “pieces” in Geoff’s chest of drawers. Potted meat and water grilled kippers and chocolate mousse. To bed 9.30.
Wednesday 31st July 1946
Fine on whole.
Cleared out medicines. Alys sewed her carpet. We made curry of mutton and had lunch. Alys packed 9 eggs and Baden took to East Layton. I to post at 3 – 3.35 in case if went early. Read Times. Cowdrey, aged 13 won match for Tonbridge. Sardines, supper. Phil back about 9. Baden met him. He’d been to Tonbridge/Clifton match at Lords. Talked of 4 Dutch men in train and Queen Alexandra nurse.
Thursday 1st August 1946
Dullish, cool.
Mrs Peacock cleaned rooms a.m. Stayed lunch and sewed carpet till 5.30. Hilda 10 – 11.30. Alys and I brought down china in car from warehouse and then Alys, Phil and I to Richmond 11.40. Got rations at Whitell’s, and 4 loaves bread, Jackson’s. Got clock. On to Catterick Bridge Hotel 5/-, lunch and cider. Back for rests. Blains and Binks got hut down and into arcade, got jams down. Sardines and eggs and bacon. Phil soup first, oxtail; raspberries and junket and custard. All to bed at 9.20.
Friday 2nd August 1946
Dullish. Warm.
No one to help. Butter and cake from Wardle. Cleared drawers out and did books in stillroom with Phil. Alys made hash, broad beans and potatoes. Raspberries and junket. Rests. Binks painted hut in arcade. Alys sorting china. All to Morritt for dinner at 7.30. Nice evening in sky. 5/- lamb and peas, plums and junket. Phil at lathe. Alys wrote Eva and Gwen. I read papers.
Saturday 3rd August 1946
Fairish. Cool.
Hilda for 2 hour. Baden a cold. He and Binks painting hut. Phil talked to Binks. We boiled corner of bacon (ham). Alys made gravy and roasted bit of the beef. Stewed tomatoes. Chocolate mousse. Rests. Read and slept. Made custard and damson mousse (gel). Phil ran his long, long train; it fell over. In gardens. Talked Mrs Blain and Bill who seeking wasps’ nests. Cold ham. Burnt papers. Miss Peacock in 9.20 with cake.
Memo:
31st Phil – Smart. Back Wednesday. Reading Kitty Foyle, Christopher Morley.
Clock read at Metcalf’s 2nd 7/6 cleaned and hinge mended.
29th Parcels registered to Laundry and to Gordon Cleaning Co. Specs to Bruce Green.
29th Wrote Kitty.
31st 9 eggs to Eva.
Sunday 4th August 1946
Warm. Fine in p.m.
Alys cooked rib beef, green peas, potatoes. Damson shape and custard. Read paper. Wrote Greenhill Laundry. Phil still burning case files. I slept in p.m. Alys got tea laid. H.H. Brown at 3.50 (phoned at 1.30) and had tea with us and borrowed a lot of books. I picked our wild raspberries. To warehouse with Alys. Got 3 lettuces. Corned beef and salad. Oranges.
Monday 5th August 1946
Fine, thundery. Heat. Dullish.
Hilda came 2 hours. I sewed on rings to chintz curtains; in billiard room. Stewed lettuce and mince. 3 peaches from Blains. Phil got a swarm of bees. Rested. I slept on bed. After tea Alys and I packed tea-chest with stores; soap, tins. Phil working on engine. Alys fried bacon and eggs. To bed 9.30.
Tuesday 6th August 1946
Fair, warm, got cooler.
Did some cleaning of wardrobe and packing. Alys and Phil measuring stair carpet. All to lunch at Scotch Corner Hotel (just opened August 1st under Montana). 4/-, cider 8d. Quite good. To Richmond. Bank, bread. I got insurance stamps. Back at 3. Rests. I slept till 4.15. Not down to tea. Wrote John Clark re. wages and with insurance cards. Phil covered his grinder table with lino. Alys made omelette; cold ham, raspberries (I picked wild ones).
Wednesday 7th August 1946
Fine. Windy.
Hilda 2 hours. I did shelves in housekeeper’s room with Phil, glue. Blain and Binks got felt out (under carpets). All of us to lunch Scotch Corner 4/-. Rests. I tidied out shoe-places (orange boxes) and packed lower drawer and big suitcase a bit. Down at 5. Alys fitting out caravan with cutlery, blankets. All to dinner7.15 or so at Scotch corner 5/-. Kim bad paw. Phil painted table legs. To bed 10.
Thursday 8th August 1946
Cool. Fair.
All 3 of us diarrhoea in night (hotel food – soup?) Alys and Phil in day too. Hilda 2 hours. Mrs Peacock sewed carpet all day. Hilda washed shelves, medicine cupboard. Alys made lovely spaghetti with onion, tomato, cheese. Wrote for catalogue, huts and for tarpaulin, enclosing 35/- cheque. Rests. Slept on bed. Blain and Binks took up linoleum in smoke-room and felts from 2 rooms. We labelled all things to go with red labels. Rest and then I cooked scrambled eggs (Alys a boiled on). Phil did tools.
Friday 9th August 1946
Very fine day.
Phil to Darlington for fitting altered clothes (Dennis’) and had lunch at Carricles. Alys and I to Richmond in BHN. Got rations at Whittell; got emergency for Binks (went by Ravensworth). Took 2 clocks to Metcalf (Wade’s and Father’s). Lunch at King’s Head 3/6. Back. Odd jobs and then rests. Phil back to tea. Did tool-box and nail-drawer, with Phil. Alys got out ham with Binks. Kim’s paw better (open). Grilled kippers. Phil’s carpet all over acid from battery spilt.
Saturday 10th August 1946
Rain.
Hilda 1 hour. Mrs Peacock sewed carpet in a.m. till 12.30. Butcher at 10.30. Alys roasted beef, broad beans. Phil getting shelf wood and from flower-room. Posted letter to Clark with insurance books. Paid Blain’s wages for last time. Ham was boiled. Slept on bed 3 – 4. Moved bedclothes to Eva’s room. Wrote Yorkshire Post and Murray and Doz lettercard. Bacon and eggs and tomato. Miss Peacock about shirt. To bed 9.30 in Eva’s room. Phil turned his bed between window, because of acid smell.
Memo:
Wrote for driving license.
8th Pickin rent (Lily).
Hoult for move 12th instead?
10th Blain’s and Binks’ wages. Write Clark. Butcher about 9.30.
Gas engineers’ strike.
Sunday 11th August 1946
Fine on whole, shower.
All very busy all day. Phil packing tools, lathe. All to Scotch Corner Hotel at 12.50 lunch 4/-. Phil lobster. Us, minced chicken. Call for Mrs Peacock on way back and she came and sewed Alys’ carpet till 5. We rested at about 3.15. Tea 4.15. Went over list of 1st loads. Busy with stores, kitchen things. Cold ham at 8.15. To bed finally at about 11.15.
Monday 12th August 1946
Rain all day. P.m. thunderstorm.
Breakfast 8. Mrs Peacock came. Getting things together and expecting removal men, at 10, but about 12.30 they came, via Richmond. So had cold beef, and red rice!! Alys made, in sitting room and gave men cold bacon and tea and cake. Moving went on till about 8 or 8.15. Gave them tea and Blain’s bread and honey. 2 pantechnicons filled. Hut and wood. Fried eggs and bacon at 8.25 or so. Miss Peacock brought loaf of bread and we gave 3lb flour instead of B.U.S. To bed about 11.
Tuesday 13th August 1946
Dull a.m. Fine later.
Up 5.45. Breakfast 6.30. Left Phil’s breakfast ready and he up later. Alys and I with Baden in car to Darlington. 8.45 train to Kings Cross (sardine sandwiches). Arrived 2.15. Taxi 2/- Baker Street. Choc ices at Northwood. Taxi to 12 Grove Road. Eva and James there. Eve later. Tea. Phil and Binks arrived 6.25 in EYT. I to 6 Murray Road with Berry’s. Rested. Binks to eggs and tea there; we had supper (cold lamb), gas strike. To bed 9.45 at Eva’s.
Wednesday 14th August 1946
Fine then shower 4.30.
Phil and Binks to buy wheelbarrow and took me about to 12 Grove Road at 10 o’clock. 10.30 Hoult’s vans arrived. Unpacking cases al day. Men to sew carpets too. We had ham lunch. Gave them tea at 11 and 5. Eva and children to tea. Eva got it ready and washed up. Stung by wasp which left sting in. Binks scythed lawn. Men left about 5. Ham for supper. Binks away 9 but failed to get fish and chips. We to bed at 11 or so.
Thursday 15th August 1946
Fine.
Binks to breakfast at 8. Arranging things in all rooms. All of us. Phil to Council about huts and to shops. At 1 all 3 to Durham Café lunch. Alys to get bread but drove us back first. Phil and I rested. I slept. Tea about 4.45. Bricks for hut left behind! Alys and I to Eva’s. Alys to police station about lodgings – Binks. Phil put lino on his grinder table. Alys made mince, potatoes, cheese. Binks had 2 eggs and tea at 5. We to bed about 10.
Friday 16th August 1946
Rainy.
Binks to breakfast and washed up his things. Phil wrote Hoults, Blain (about bricks). Alys and I to shops and Food Office (I change of address and they had identity card). Back. I drove a bit and Alys stayed shops. Phil and I to Durham’s and all lunch there. Back and then Alys and Phil back to Cleaner’s, radio, Edgley’s. I made waterglass for eggs which had moved. I rested 4.15 – 5.15. Alys and Phil before tea. Phil and I stained bookshelves. Ham and tomatoes at 8.15. Binks had fried eggs (Alys cooked) 5.15. and thermos. To bed 10.20.
Saturday 17th August 1946
Rainy.
Binks to breakfast. Phil to buy cycle padlock. I phoned Kitty. With Alys to register at Williams for groceries. Also milkman (Hawkins). Home and all 3 at 1 to Durham (James came and I lent Eva £1). Binks all day working at 2 tree-stumps. Very short rest, arranging. Tea. Tidied sitting room desk drawers; let stove out and cleaned out and re-lit it. Phil put his shelf up in workroom. Alys did kippers. To bed about 10.
Memo:
Move, Hoults to pack.
13th Alys and I trains to Northwood. Phil and Binks car.
14th Hoults deliver at 12 Grove Road.
Write Pickin
14th 15th – Foot eczema worse – weepy.
Sunday 18th August 1946
Fine, all day.
Binks away all day (to friend at Acton). Heard of Otto’s death. Tidied and put 2 stoves in loft, and Phil screwed teak on orange-box by gas stove. To Eva’s in EYT and she and James and Eve with us (and “Daisy”, Baby Austin) to The Orchard and big lunch (melon). Fun to have children there. Home. Rest (slept). Picked spinach. James and Eve camel then Eva. All away at 6.25. Helped with spinach. Did apple sauce. Alys poached eggs (on the spinach). Phil put up his shelves in workshop. To bed about 10.20.
Monday 19th August 1946
Rain and intervals of fairer.
Phil off at 9.15 in EYT to Otto May’s funeral at Christchurch crematorium, Hampshire. Alys and I made curtains for Phil’s workroom (striped and net). Soup with macaroni and spinach and cheese lunch. Wrote Pickin with rent and to Baden. Phoned about carpets. Davis called for one. Phil back about 3. I to post in rain (5 minutes) and around. Alys and I arranged stores in box-room. Binks and Phil designing rose-bed. Hot beef and potatoes and Russian salad. Apple sauce.
Tuesday 20th August 1946
Fair.
Binks doing turfs for beds. I turned my bed round (back to mantelpiece). Alys roasted piece ham and re-cooked beef, cabbage, potatoes. Mrs Bearcroft at 2 or so and did cleaning in kitchen till 4. Alys and I and Phil all rested. I slept 1 hour. Eva and Eve in car, and James on cycle at 5. Children picked blackberries. Cap for Eve’s rag doll. Ham (spinach soup first). All to bed about 9.30.
Wednesday 21st August 1946
Very fine all day.
Phil to Edgley’s (corduroy trousers) and Page’s and on to Smart’s for refill in CUC. Alys and I to Bank. Food Office, Williams, Gas Co in EYT. Bacon got fried and plums. Rest till 3.15. Then “Onsite” men came and cleaned Persian carpet and 4 tugs and Phil’s room carpet and Kimbo’s mat. Eva and James and Eve after tea. I read to James and Eve on terrace. Binks doing rose beds. Bacon, eggs and tomatoes supper.
Thursday 22nd August 1946
Rainy and very mild.
Men came about basin in Phil’s room. Alys and I in car, tried to get milkman. Finally to try for grapefruit (none). To Williams and to get petrol with Eva’s coupons (James and Eve in soot). Cold beef and salad (Eva’s lettuces), plums. Rests. Alys was got up by phone re. Cossor set. I finished “The Little Dog Barked” Anne Rowe. Alys to Boots after tea. Phil got Cossor working. I made apple sauce and custard; had them with ham at supper. Good quiz after 9.15 on wireless. James in bath. Michael Miles, Singapore.
Friday 23rd August 1946
Very fine and hot.
Men (West’s) putting basin in, all day. James came for coffee and Eva and Eve later. I to Food Office (car with Eva) but no “points”. Met Alys at Durham for lunch 1 o’clock. Home. Phil out all day at Model Engineer Exhibition, back at 5. I had 1 hour’s rest 4 – 5. Cleared out stove, relighted it first. Wrote Onsite, Mrs Gell and Baden and Alys posted boxes back. Shelled peas on terrace. Alys took Binks in car (he driving). Mince, peas, potatoes. Apples, custard. Big spider in bathroom. Bed 9.45.
Saturday 24th August 1946
Fair, warm.
Alys to shops and Eva’s, with James who came. Phil and Wilf to Ashridge with lamp and brought back Phil’s cycle at 4.30. Alys and I to lunch at Durham; then bought Eva a pump (cycle) and various things at Carey’s. Back and in bedroom, suitcases. Rested (read) 3.30 – 4.30. On terrace and all talked flower-beds. Alys par-cooked beef. We had kippers and stewed plums and apple sauce for supper. Phil put handle on kitchen drawer. I made ration card holder. 2 big spiders in evening upstairs.
Memo:
24th Binks wages
21st about 3.30 – 4.30 “Onsite” Carpet Cleaners. 2/6 square yard
22nd Wrote Onsite and Baden
19th Otto May’s funeral 10 a.m.
19th Wrote Pickin with cheque.
21st Phil – Smart’s.
Sunday 25th August 1946
Very fine and warm.
James came and got our newspapers. Stained bookshelves with Phil. Cleared room for washing walls. Got mint. Phil painted electric heater on terrace. Alys cooked beef and peas (Layton). In p.m. Phil rested on terrace (awning). I on bed, read. “Whiteoak Heritage” (L’héritage des Whiteoaks), Mazo De La Roche (Canada). After 5, all of us washed distemper in little bedroom (with new washbasin in it). Alys to Eva’s and brought back spinach. Eggs, bacon, spinach; chocolate mousse and Gram Swing on Atomic Bomb.
Monday 26th August 1946
Warm, fine.
Page’s men to clean out radiator and found cistern worn out, so put new one in. Man to put bookshelves up. I to change B.U. for points; to Eva’s for lettuces. Eva to tell Alys about Teddy’s letter re. Hamburg. Cold beef and salad. Rest 1 hour then washed wardrobe with sugar soap. Binks all day bonfire in orchard. To have my hair trimmed 5.30 (Miss Taylor). Phil and I putting books in shelves. Alys washed Phil’s wall, and made ham toasts. Got Phil’s sitting room tidier, and desk moved round.
Tuesday 27th August 1946
Fine.
Eva had hair done, so James and Eve came to us 11.30 till 1. I read “Log of the Ark” to them. Alys to shops. We all lunched at Durham. Back and rests. I got up and washed brushes with soft soap (Darkaline). Then washed distemper off Phil’s wall. Alys too till 7. Phil not feeling ok. He lit stove (men, Sims, finished boiler and radiator). Binks digging border. Phil to bed and had Bovril. We had boiled eggs, gingerbread. Wrote Doz.
Wednesday 28th August 1946
Heavy winds and showers.
Phil to see Ernest Miles and Model Engineer Exhibition. Alys took him to station and brought Eve back to spend the day as Eva and James to London shopping. I washed socks. All of us to lunch at Durham. Drive round. Rests. Finished “Whiteoak Heritage”. Washed distemper off. Eva and James in at about 5.30. Phil at 6.15. Told about Ernest and Estate Duty £2,000 more. Phil to the Northwood Hotel about the 9/- per night bill of Binks and Binks slept here instead. Mince, macaroni, scrambled eggs.
Thursday 29th August 1946
Showery. Fair, mostly.
Binks began laying foundation bricks and paving stones for hut. I with Phil to Pinner to get size and paint and got drill. Very good shop. To butcher and also got Binks’ rations on way. Sausages for lunch, and apple sauce. Rests. At 4.15 I washed walls (Phil’s room) till 5.50. Alys and Phil also, after tea and Phil sized walls. Phil and Binks doing hut, and out for drive (Binks driving). U.S. pork meat and Heinz potato soup. Phil and Bink sized room again at 9.15 – 10.30.
Friday 30th August 1946
Showers, heavy, mostly fair.
Alys to shops, with Phil and seeking labour to erect hut. I did housework, washed floors as Kit coming. Binks doing manhole and found bread there. All of us to Durham to lunch, and Berry’s too. Read Punch, and at 2.45 Kitty came. Sat and talked and Alys rested till 3.40, then she took Kitty to station and I on bed 4 till 5. Arranged books in shelves. Bacon and eggs and tomatoes. Phil made stove very hot (Binks bath). Phil and Binks painted room.
Saturday 31st August 1946
Fair.
Did tussore curtains for kitchen, rings on, ironing, hem. Phil to Pinner. Alys to shops. Phil and I lunch at Durham at 12.30. Alys went at 1.10 (had waited for phone call). Phil to Harrow Weald seeking labour for hut. Rest. At 4.20 to buy sweets (Binks) and plums. To Eva’s. Read to James and Eve. Eva made sandwiches. Phil and Binks for Phil’s trunk and then Phil fetched me at 7.30. Potato chips and fried eggs. Camembert cheese. Phil and Binks painted room all evening.
Memo:
26th 5.30 Hair trim 1/6 Miss Taylor.
28th Wrote Doz about £75 cheque.
7th Anniversary of Declaration of War
Sunday 1st September 1946
Fine, but thundery showers.
Got up at 6 and cycled to Eva’s. Helped to get them off to Aldborough. We took suitcase on cycle to station by 8 a.m. Wrote to Ella. Alys cooked leg lamb and mint sauce, cauliflower and potatoes. Stewed plums and chocolate mousse. Long rest and slept. Took letter to post at 2.15 and caught in rain. Alys in car rescued. Sewed curtain hems. Harold Nicholson on Paris Peace Conference, Molotoff and flying back. Spaghetti (Heinz) and boiled eggs. Wilf finished room painting.
Monday 2nd September 1946
Fair. Showers.
Cleaned paint-brushes and clearing up Phil’s room for floor scrubbing Alys to shops. Phil found files rusted badly from move. Cold lamb and lovely celery, tomato salad. Plums and chocolate mousse. Alys to get Emergencies at Food Office. Wrote Yorkshire Post. Wrote Doz. Rest. Men to help with erecting Phil’s hut. Mrs Cattle in. Bacon and eggs and stewed apples and camembert. To bed 10. Phil and Binks out with hut by electric light till 10.
Tuesday 3rd September 1946
Rain nearly all day.
Alys with Phil to shops. I got dustmen to take paper. Washed out dust-sheet and gloves. All to lunch at Durham. Phil and Binks doing concrete post for fence in rain all p.m. Men came to fix Cosy stove. Rests (Alys and me). Did curtains. Bacon and eggs. All of us at 8.30 to Cattle’s for coffee; till 9.45. Didn’t boil milk which was actually good next a.m.
Wednesday 4th September 1946
Rain all day.
Finished curtains and put up in kitchen. Phil stained his bedroom floor “Darkaline”. Binks did gate-post and cut lawn (in mud) and cut Eva’s grass. Phil put boards on loft floor. Lunch at Durham. Rests. Mrs Seddon called to offer garage. Alys took our key and address (Layton) to Mrs Cattle. Bacon and eggs. Made sandwiches before supper.
Thursday 5th September 1946
Breakfast 8. Phil and Binks off at 10.15 in Phil’s car to Layton. Alys and I in taxi to station. Tube from Baker Street to Kings Cross. Train 12.20. Buffet. We ate sandwiches. Alys to Buffet for “tea”. Finished “Death Strikes from the Rear” Marsden (Boyd & Faraday). Darlington 5 punctually. Baden met us in BHN. Phil and Binks arrived about 6.15. Alys cooked fried eggs and bacon. Bread and marmalade. Kim in. All to bed 9.10. Very tired. No Dexal.
Friday 6th September 1946
Fine or fair. 1 little shower.
Got breakfast in nursery. Cosy still alight. Made Scott’s Oats. Phil long talk to Blain and then to Darlington in BHN. Cheese sandwiches, eggs and sardines. To Mrs Dobinson about cooking fowl. Alys to Mrs Gell. Rests. Began “Shadow Syndicate”, Keverne. About house with Alys measuring and in top-room (Phil lunch Scotch Corner). To garden, talked Blains. Buttered eggs. About 8, Miss Peacock.
Saturday 7th September 1946
Fine or fair all day.
Alys and Phil to Barnard Castle. I did salad and potatoes and porridge Hilda from 10 – 11. Brought cooked and plucked cockerel (2/6 to her Mother for doing it). Rests, but late as looking at carpets, nursery (for passage and Phil’s room). Phil had prawns at 5.30, with tea and talked Bill Blain very late (till 8.45). Alys and I cheese omelettes; nectarine. Phil only cocoa. To bed 9.30 or so. Looked at my cuttings. H.C. Embleton (Henry Cawood Embleton –
Memo:
1st Wrote Ella
3rd Note to Doz re. cheque and about Income Tax age allowance.
1st Eva, James and Eve to Aldborough from 13th to 4th (22 days, 2 fair, 7 fine, 13 wet).
3rd Alys sent wires to Blain, Hunter, Mrs Peacock.
Sunday 8th September 1946
Fine, mild.
Alys had muscular rheumatism all day. All up to warehouse in a.m. clearing “gents wardrobe” and Hepplewhite chairs. Green peas and potato and gravy with corned beef as stew was bad. Peach! (Alys gave me peaches and nectarines for my birthday). Sat on garden seat. Phil putting cigarette cards in book (locomotives). Rests. Alys and I turned out curtain chest; lace curtains, cretonne covers. Spaghetti and eggs. To bed about 10.20. Supper late, about 9.
Monday 9th September 1946
Fine on whole.
I to Richmond alone; got 2 clocks 10/- each from Metcalf (Father’s and Wadie’s round 8 day). To Bank; and also got rug from cleaners 7/6. Phil bonfire of files and indices. In garden. Alys cooked fowl up with rice. Did bookcase drawer (frost) and in kitchen. Alys doing sorting in her bedroom. No rests. Phil to Blain (CUC to be taken down as gone wrong). All to dine at Scotch Corner 7.35. Alys and Phil did games drawers and photos (Nursery). Peach.
Tuesday 10th September 1946
Fair. Rain. Cooler later.
Phil (with Blain) in car to Darlington. To Badcock and his tailor and Neasham and to Kings Cross after lunch. Alys and I did curtains from all parts of house. Scrambled eggs with cheese and onion in it. Chocolate mousse. Rested. No teas. Then I went on with photo drawer and rest of Frost bookcase till 8. Alys felt sick and took nothing. I had chicken soup, Ryvita; cheese, tomato, marmalade. To bed at 10.5 or so. Nectarine.
Wednesday 11th September 1946
Fine.
Both long talk Baden, carpet. Packed Wade’s chest of drawers with photos. Alys better. To Richmond, to Banks and took 3 clocks Metcalf’s but Dunn away (my crocodile travel clock, my Styer alarm, Dennis’ desk clock). To Scotch Corner to lunch 4/- each. Rested. Up and packing. Alys too. Glass decanters. I wrote Eva de Baeremaecker. Baden to meet Phil; who back from London 9 (late). Ham (Alys had boiled in p.m.). We had it hot at 7.30. To bed 10.15. Phil stayed with Berry’s 10th night.
Thursday 12th September 1946
Cooler. Fair. Windy.
Blain trying to get Phil’s car right. Wouldn’t start. Blain and Binks took up brown carpet and cut it in half. Alys cooked 2 cockerels; we had with peas and potatoes. Mrs Peacock plucked them; the last day with us here. Rests. Phil wrote Hoult’s about Berry things. Cleared out big bookcase and cupboard before and after supper, with Phil. Cold chicken and ham; apple sauce. To bed 10. Phil’s car to Watson’s and all right.
Friday 13th September 1946
Cool, windy.
Blain to fetch Richardson and bookcase stand and assistant (my 67th birthday). Back 9.10 a.m. They altered wardrobe too and mended little bookcase. Covered honey; sifted flour. Phil to tailor’s in p.m. for fitting. Back to tea. I rested. Alys to give £5 to Binks and present for his wife (cold chicken and ham lunch). Packed curtains and pieces in still room and pale chest of drawers. Phil rested 6 – 7.30. Richardson finished at about 9.30. Bill £13.15.0 (15/- from mahogany). Chicken soup and salmon kedgeree. Alys read Mink’s letter.
Saturday 14th September 1946
Cool, windy, showery.
Phil doing his bed all a.m. in housekeepers room. Alys and I various clearings up. Baden doing my car, gasket. Corned beef and chicken. Alys wrote Mrs Cattle. Rested. Phil blocked nose and headache. Baden drove me in Phil’s car to Ravensworth. Sweets on points. Left box at Mrs Peacock’s. Segregating things. Phil taking his track down (central, movable one). Soup, ham, apple sauce. Phil had peaches and cream. Miss Peacock in at 8.10. To bed 10.
Memo:
12th Bookcase ready.
11th Wrote Eva de Baeremaecker.
11th Smarts. Phil goes to London Tuesday, back Wednesday late.
Phil applied for post – London Chest Hospital.
Eczema getting worse all week.
Sunday 15th September 1946
Fine, dry, windy.
All very busy all day, collecting, labelling. Phil at garage, bonfire of lots of papers. Alys packing wine. Tongue for lunch 2 o’clock (a pre-war one!) and tomatoes and glass-house grapes and peaches with Kimbo. No Blains. Labelled books with Phil and got out best china on landing. Soup, bacon and tomatoes (Alys fried). All to bed about 10.15. Phil all over house with Baden about re-arranging.
Monday 16th September 1946
Fair, windy, cool.
Hoults very late, as usual. About noon, van came and 4 men. Baden couldn’t start my car; Phil towed it and all well. Corned beef and tongue. I rested in Phil’s old bedroom. Mary Telford (nee and husband and baby called. Men couldn’t finish packing today so away at 7 (leaving van) to Newcastle. We to Scotch Corner to dinner. Hungry still, we all had ham sandwiches and orange and soda water at 8.45 and made porridge for a.m. Alys’ curtains gone. Phil’s mattress. Kim’s basket gone. He slept in my room too.
Tuesday 17th September 1946
Fair.
Hoults 3 men back from Newcastle at 11 and went on packing books; to garage and got stuck on corner. Only finished 2.30. We had ham out again, and peaches. At 4.5 we finally left Layton. All and Kimbo in my car BHN 545. Drove to Ram Jam, but no good (7.15) so on to Stamford and good dinner at George and nice rooms. Alys and I in one (2 beds) and Kimbo under my bed. Nice receptionist girl gave Kimbo food.
Wednesday 18th September 1946
Dull, drizzle.
Breakfast 9 and away 10.15. Arrived Stevenage 12.30. Bought sweets and bread. Lunch at Cromwell (Clough Williams Ellis). Back at 12 Grove Road about 3 or sooner. Teddy, Eva, James and Eve there. Fires lighted. Had a rest. Tea (apples). Phil for oil for car and coffee to Eva’s. In loft; boxroom. Ham and omelette! Arranged things for Hoult’s tomorrow. To bed 11.0.
Thursday 19th September 1946
Fair, rain at 6.30.
Breakfast 8.20. Hoult’s arrived about 11. Carpet man earlier. All very busy unpacking crates of books, china, glass all day. Foreman Mr Mayne, old very nice Northumbrian. Jock, tall driver and another tall man. We had tongue lunch and coffee. Stair carpets and hall upstairs and Phil’s room put down. Hepplewhite bookcase in its altered (by Richardson) state. Hoult’s to Berry’s about 6 and brought 2 Nazi bomb-crates back. Took Berry’s things for Layton. Alys Phil and I to dine at Orchard at 7.30. 7/6 each (dancing). Sherry (1) 3/6. Tip 4/-
Friday 20th September 1946
Dull. Rain after.
Phil took all cine things to loft. We arranged a bit there; eiderdowns. Phil train to London to see Warner about testimonials. Alys and I to Durham to lunch. Round to Eva’s. All there things packed and away. We back at 3 (butcher’s first). I made apple sauce. Both busy. Lit stove. No rests. Phil tea at Eva’s and all of them round here (James on cycle) till 7. Alys made ham toasts. Soup first. Took Kimmy to post Onsite cheque.
Saturday 21st September 1946
Sunny!!! Cars in sun to dry.
All doing Phil’s Model Engineering into order for files. James came. Phil and I arranged books in all cases (5). Alys cooked roast lamb and cauliflower and big baked apples from our orchard; windfalls. Went on with books in p.m. Short rest 3.50 – 4.30. I in my car to get sugar ration, and wire letter-tray for Phil. To Eva’s with Kimmy. Malcolm (Teddy’s brother) there. Took Eve back – James on cycle. Phil mowed front lawn. Teddy and Eva came. Corned beef and Spam. Took Kimmy to post.
Memo:
16th Hoult’s for things. Delivery 19th
Eczema bad all week.
Sunday 22nd September 1946
Fair and shower at 9 p.m.
Walked to buy newspapers with Kim. Cleaned mats and shook them. Went on with books. Phil wrote letters, E.V.M. (Ernest Vernor Miles) and Gordon Holms for testimonials. Cold lamb and salad and fried potatoes and cauliflower. Apple sauce. Washed stockings.Rest. Wrote Ella. Alys phoned Kit. Phil coldy feeling. He took Kimbo to Post Office after lunch. I took to post after supper (bacon and egg). Eve sat in Phil’s sitting room.
Monday 23rd September 1946
Rain, then fine and mild.
To London by train about 11.30, Baker Street. Walked to Thornett’s. Talked about move from 77 King Henry’s Road. To Brocon’s, Chiltern Street. Keys to be cut. To 34 Cavendish Square. Lunch 2 – 3 there (United Nursing Services’ Club). Walked to 21 Devonshire Place and appointment Neame. Taxi to 72 Adelaide Road and back to Thornett’s. Talked about Ashridge Furniture. To fetch keys 2/3. Choc-ice at Baker Street. Train 4.30 to Northwood. Phil coldy; doing lamp-flexes (DDT spider too). Soused herrings.
Tuesday 24th September 1946
Fair, some sun.
Times came. Phil in bed all day, but breakfast and lunch down in dressing-gown. Cleaned both Cozy stoves and re-lit small one. Made apple sauce. Mince and apple sauce. Alys out for bread (took Mrs Cattle).Men came about electric sink heater. Man about refrigerator (Kath’s), which in yesterday from Frognal. James to school, had been in a.m. and we tipped him. He bought jeep 4/6 for Eve. Rest. Sleep. Spaghetti.
Wednesday 25th September 1946
Fine and fair.
Phil in bed all day, cough and cold, better in p.m. Let out “Domestic” and Alys re-it it at 6.30. Alys to get fish. Hut came. Wrote E. Hill. Eva to lunch and first came and peeled potatoes. Alys phoned Kitty about refrigerator. Haddock in oven, salad; stewed pears. Rest. With Phil – Max’s bridges, old cycle drawings cleared out from C.H.W. chest of drawers. Soup and rice and cheese and apples. Bad night.
Thursday 26th September 1946
Very warm.
Awake till 2 with irritation and again and again. Alys took me to station (9d from Harrow). To Finchley Road and bus to Primrose Hill. All a.m. tidying and clearing at 77 King Henry’s Road. Lunch 1/9 England Lane. Back till 3, then bus Camden Town and Baker Street and to Norwood 1.11 single. Taxi 1/6 (6d tip). Talk with Phil (in bed all day) re. Thornett. Bacon, (our pig rashers) and scrambled egg, pears. To bed 9.30. Took ½ grain Luminol for eczema.
Friday 27th September 1946
Very warm and fine. Cotton dress, sandals.
Better night. Man came to put gas stoves and rings in order. Phil up to tea in sitting room and typed testimonial, and supper. West came about pipes. Alys to Eva’s. Brought soup. We had it with barley flakes and cabbage and Phil had a chop. We did washing and dried Binks’. Rests. Made apples sauce. Got big coke in. Alys to Eva’s. Sardines supper. Phil had macaroni (tin) and two eggs and cheese.
Saturday 28th September 1946
Perfect day. Hot but breeze.
Alys and Phil in hired car to Charing Cross Hospital for Phil to see about post. Got Vines’ (Dean) testimonial. I odd jobs. Walked Durham with Kim at 12.30 lunch. To vets to see times. Alys and Phil back about 2.10. Rest. Washed things. Phil did hut floor with creosote. Alys fried mackerel supper. Wrote Doz lettercard and posted it. Phil re-lit “Ideal” stove after supper. Phil 34th birthday.
Memo:
23rd Teddy’s leave up?
24th James to school.
28th Phil’s birthday.
24th Times came
22nd Wrote Ella. Reading “Dangerous Honeymoon” Axel Kielland.
25th Alys gave Eva her diamond brooch. Cousin Maud.
Teddy sold Baby Austin for £90 (“Daisy”).
Eczema bad all week. Luminol each night from 26th.
Verdicts on Nazis. 12 to be hanged – Göring, Ribbentrop, Keitel.
Von Papen, Schacht, Fritzsche acquitted.
Sunday 29th September 1946
Fine, warm.
E. Hill and men came and put up hut 8 x 12. Phil down to breakfast in dressing gown but back to bed till 12.30. Alys cooked beef. I cut up our one turnip! Baked apples. Rest and put stuff and Elastoplast on eczema. Eva, Teddy and Eve to tea (brought bread and milk). Teddy put cabin trunk in loft and our chairs, trunks. Kippers supper. Undid portrait from crate.
Monday 30th October 1946
Fine. Warm.
Alys took me to station. Train at 9.35 (2/9 return Swiss Cottage). Changed Finchley Road. At 77 King Henry’s Road sorting books and arranging drawers. Sardine sandwich and tomato. At 2.30 Thornett’s men, who took desk, chest of drawers (serpentine, Mother’s). Away 3 or so. I walked over Primrose Hill. 74 bus Baker Street. Choc-ice. Train to Northwood. Phoned Alys who met me in car. Phil had been to see Shirley Smith and also to Victoria Park, London Chest Hospital. Talked Peter Preston. Rested. Bacon and scrambled eggs. Chocolate pudding. Listened to verdicts from Nürnberg.
Tuesday 1st October 1946
Fair, warm.
Thornett’s men brought my desk at 10.35 and took away Wade’s chest of drawers. Phil to town to see Hudson after early lunch, stew. Rested. At 4 Eva took me in BHN to station. To 77 King Henry’s Road and met Thornett’s who delivered Dennis’ desk and chairs and trolley from Ashridge and C.H.W.’s (Wade) chest of drawers and green carpet. Taxi to United Nursing Services Club. Dined 7 there. Read evening paper in lounge. Verdicts on Nazis. Room 15. To bed 8.30.
Wednesday 2nd October 1946
Fine, warm.
Breakfast 9. Bill 11/9. To Woolworth’s and locksmith. Taxi to 77 King Henry’s Road from Baker Street. Arranged bed for Phil to rest. Taxi. To Chiltern Street for key. Lunch Sagnes 3/6 with tip. Tube to bus 77 King Henry’s Road. Phil at 2.30 (after re-fill and before Committee at 5.45 to choose House Physician London Chest Hospital). I by train to Northwood (bought apron and handkerchiefs at Barnes’). Teddy drove me to 12 Grove Road. Eva and Yatty (Marion Berry, Teddy’s sister and my Great Aunt) and Eve and Teddy at 5. Teddy fixed wireless. Phil at 7.30 (no result yet). Mince and peas (tinned).
Weather 1st and 2nd – Identical max and min temp: and also exactly same amount sunshine and rainfall. “Remarkable coincidence”. Times.
Thursday 3rd October 1946
Fair. 2 showers.
Teddy back to Germany, leave ended. Phil to Charing Cross in EYT but no results out though he stayed till 5. I took Kimbo to Vet (Neve) at 10 for worms and eyes. Alys and I lunched “Durham” and met Mr Longbotham (friend of Henry Embleton!). Walked, as car at Eva’s. Wrote to Sissie (about executorship). To post at 2.55 with Kimbo. Hung Prout’s with Alys. Phil back 6 and had coffee. He lit Ideal stove. Bacon and eggs at 8.20. To post with Kimbo, sent cheque to Thornett, £20.
Friday 4th October 1946
Fair. Clipped Kim.
Phil to Charing Cross (train) to hear result. I took Kimbo to Neve who gave worm tablet and ¼ (his weight 16lb). Home. No news from Phil so Alsy and I to Durham, met Eva there. I walked home. Alys later. Wrote Kitty. To post at 3. Phil phoned. Had failed to get post at London Chest Hospital. Alys and I rested. She met him 4 or so and tea. I weeded, hoed, 2 rose-beds. Phil rested. Alys fried sausages halves in very hot fat and boiled potatoes and celery. Fried tomatoes. Phil feeling shivery and to bed 8.30. Taking M&B again. Still coughing.
Saturday 5th October 1946
Fine, warm.
Phil in bed all day, M&B I to Eva’s as she heard she had to go to Hamburg on 18th. She, Eve and I had lunch at Durham. Talked over luggage. They back with me (in BHN). I gave Eva my evening sandals. Rest (late). Made soup of celery water. Phil had poached egg. We had sardines on toast and apple sauce.
Memo:
4th Worm tablet Kimbo.
Pickin to 3rd (rent, Lily).
U.N.S.C. Room 8/-, Dinner 2/3, breakfast 1/6 = 11/9
3d Thornett collects 1.30
1st 10.30 Deliver to Northwood
2nd Unload 9.30 at 77 King Henry’s Road (Sleep Club 1st).
Eczema very weepy and all over me, all week. Luminol.
Clocks back 1 hour to Greenwich Time.
Sunday 6th October 1946
Perfect day.
Walked to get Sunday papers. Weeded beds. Phil in bed all day. Still coughing. Roast beef, veg marrow. Did some washing, stockings. Rest. Painted DDT stuff round on house and sills for spiders. Phil depressed and felt sick – milk soup and omelette. We had kippers. I fried them.
Monday 7th October 1946
Fine, cold.
Eva phoned. Couldn’t start my car (at 8.55). Came and went off in EYT to take Eve to school. Phil in bed all day. I took Kimbo to vet 10.15 and left him to be clipped and washed (for irritation on back). Got cauliflower and home and did soused herrings. We had for lunch; Phil had egg. To fetch Kimbo at 2. Rest. Eva and Eve along after tea in BHN (I’d sent Colliver Fisher to see to BHN). Eve said “perhaps Kimbo thinks he’s “superior” (not comic). Phil had bread and milk. Dr Neville Butler doing a locum at Pinner, to see him at 19.45.
Tuesday 8th October 1946
Dullish, not cold.
Eva called for me in BHN and to station. Left car on charge at garage. To 77 King Henry’s Road and Eva took my cabin trunk on taxi. I saw Miss Pickin and Mrs Haynes in my room. Lunch in England’s Lane 3/2 and 3d tip. To Barnes’, got sausage and potato salad. Home at 3. Rest. In Phil’s room. Phil in bed all day. Lit stove. Sausage and soused herring, apples. Brains Trust in Phil’s room (1st of season).
Wednesday 9th October 1943
Dull.
Eva in at 9 about cars. I with Alys to station and 10.15 to Swiss Cottage. Searched ages at 77 King Henry’s Road for keys. Phoned Elsa from Chalk Farm. Lunch at “Two Blues”, Heath Street .Then 1.30 to Ayrton’s. Saw Max in bedroom (has been 3 weeks – ill, heart pains). Called at Kitty’s (out). To 6 Murray Road, waited 3.30 till 4 in garden. Then Eva and Eve back from inoculations. All to 12 Grove Road. They had tea; Eva with Phil. Found keys in my chest of drawers. Eve toys in my room. Stuffed onions. Phil down in dressing gown.
Thursday 10th October 1943
Perfect day.
Eva in a minute at 9 (breakfast time). Phil better and sat on terrace in dressing gown in sun all a.m. I walked to get chocolate and order potatoes and brought Brussels sprouts. Did the vegetables and Alys made good hash. Ham (2 corners) and tomatoes came from Baden with fish. Kettle, re-bottomed. Phil had all meals downstairs. Washed stockings and rested and ate apples. Made stewed apples. All sat in Phil’s sitting room. Bacon and eggs and tomatoes. Phil to bed. ITMA (in his room) and at 9.30 after I’d taken Kimbo out. Michael Miles Quiz. Very good.
Friday 11th October 1943
Perfect day.
Phil up and on verandah about 11.30 and in hut p.m. Eva to lunch, town with Rene. Alys to shops. I cleaned upstairs, washed gloves, bread-crumbed ham (corner) which Alys roasted. Cold sausage (various) and salad. Apples, (cinnamon). Page’s men to alter pipes. Rest. Walk with Kim 4.30 path and round by moor Park Road. Phil put aerial up in my bedroom. Phil and I wrote about Beethoven radio to Darlington. Cold ham supper. Hastings on Germany.
Saturday 12th October 1943
Fair.
Walked with Kimbo to get cauliflower and station about Radio Times and Carey’s (torch and rings). Alys, Phil and I to Durham lunch and met Eva and Eve there. Alys back with Eva, and Phil and I drove about tracing pathway, near Eastbury Road till 2.30. All back, my car bonnet difficulty. Rests. Alys and I sewed rings and cut velvet curtains. Made apple sauce. Soup (2 tins Mulligatawny and cream of vegetable) and cold ham. Sewed curtains. Phil looked at maps. He reading “Most Secret”.
Memo:
8th Heard 77 King Henry’s Road changing landlords. Homeopathic Hospital.
7th Kimbo clipped.
17th Wrote about wireless Beethoven. Alys wrote Blain.
16th October 12.15 – 2 a.m. Nazis hanged (9). Göring committed suicide 2 hours before.
Sunday 13th October 1946
Dull, fairish.
Cleared out barbola drawer. Eva and Eve came (Eva helped with dinner and we shared meat ration) shoulder of mutton, cauliflower, roast potatoes. Apple sauce and mock cream (I made too stiff). Rests. All tea together. Eva bringing cake, butter, milk and Pâté. Alys and I cut American cloth to 2 tablecloths. All 3 of us not hungry till about 8.30 for supper. Poached eggs, and I did one in pannikin with cheese.
Monday 14th October 1946
Very dull.
To Vet at 10.15. Kimbo had 2nd worm pill (Phil got tapeworm with head from him later). Hoover back. Phil hovered a lot. Alys and Eva and Eve to Durham 12.20. Phil and 1 at 12.45. They to Twickenham to dentist. Phil drove me Rickmansworth (for car battery). Rests. I got coffee for Phil at 3.35. He off in EYT to Smart, 97 Harley Street. Back at 7. Post as House Physician London Chest Hospital probably; decision Thursday. Another ward opened. Soups and corned beef. “Hiroshima” 9.15. (New Yorker).
Tuesday 15th October 1946
Dull. Raw.
Alys to shops and Eva. Eva a cold? So Alys had lunch with her. Phil took Erla wireless to be seen to, and to Edgley’s. I made apple, semolina and spice pudding. Phil and I cold shoulder and tomato salad. To buy bread, with Kimbo, at 2. Eva brought Alys back and stores, coal. Window-cleaner came. Finished velvet curtain and put up. Scrambed eggs and corned beef in it. Listened “Hiroshima” The Fire. Good.
Wednesday 16th October 1946
Dull.
Stove out. Phil mended Hoover bag with my rubbery fluff, and iron. He lit bonfire. We hovered. Alys to Eva’s; they to Durham. Phil and I walked there. Not good lunch. To Eva’s in car and we brought back things in both cars and coal later too. Rests. I listened play at 4 “Breakdown”. Re-lit the stove. Made hot bottle covers for Eva. Alys and I each. “The Perfumed Murder” Peter Cheyney and “Hiroshima” at 10 – 10.45. The third part.
Thursday – Phil phoned Smart and heard he had got job as House-Physician, London Chest Hospital.
Thursday 17th October 1946
Dull.
Men came to put in immersion heater. Eve not to school as feeling inoculation reaction. Alys to Eva’s and shops. I to Eva’s too with Kimbo after doing apple sauce. Took it and cut spinach at Eva’s and we had lunch there of steak and tomatoes and mushrooms. I back in car at 2.45 so that Phil could go and have lunch, as men still in cistern room. In p.m. Alys and I bought jumpers and I a coat (house) at Ryder’s and fried herrings for supper, then Phil took Alys to Eva’s to sleep. Brought coal back. Michael Miles and Hiroshima till 11.
Friday 18th October 1946
Dull.
Up at 7. Breakfast 8. Phil to Charing Cross – ward round with Warder. I to Eva’s 9.10. She and Eve and Alys in hired car to St Pancras. Eva and Eve away to Hamburg (arriving Sunday) at 11. I made salmon pie with breadcrumbs and apple and crumbs and egg pudding for self. Got petrol and quart oil in car. Got sweet ration. To Bank in a.m. On sofa and Alys and Phil came back together about 4. Read “Lord Hornblower” and Times. Sausage and mashed supper. To bed 9.30.
Saturday 19th October 1946
Very fine a.m.
Phil mowed front lawn. Alys and I to 6 Murray Road to fetch things. Jim Annersley there. Bought Book of Railways (2/6). Tyres filled. Coke ordered. To Williams’ for rations. Durham lunch all 3. 3/6 each. Phil and I mowed some of the back lawn. Rest. To Pinner Cinema “Theirs is the Glory” about Arnhem September ’44 and comic “Blondie Knows Best” 5.30 – 7.45. Back at 8. Kippers. Kimbo in garden! Wrote Ella and sent 6 handkerchiefs (utility), posted 2.45.
Memo:
14th Laundry came.
15th window-cleaner came 5/6
Coffee came 16th
Finished “The House under the Water” Brett Young.
18th Eva and Eve leave for Hamburg (B.A.O.R. – British Army of the Rhine).
18th Phil heard he was to be House Physician at London Chest Hospital – December 1st
20th Wrote Ella 81st birthday.
Sunday 20th October 1946
Dull. Very mild. Showers later.
Eva and Eve arrive Cuxhaven, a.m. Teddy at Hamburg.
Phoned Kitty. Polished drawers of my desk. Put daffodil bulbs in orchard with Phil. He lit Domestic stove and mowed grass a bit. Half leg mutton, marrow (2 small ones), stewed pears (Mrs Wickham’s tree). Rested. Up 4 and weeded rose-bed. Phil cleaned mower. He wrote Blain. Finished “Lord Hornblower”. Cold liver and other sausage and mashed potatoes. Read papers. To bed 9.30.
Monday 21st October 1946
Dull. Mild.
All of us put Eva’s and other things (boats, engines) up in loft. I washed things. All to Broadway Restaurant, Northwood Hills for lunch 12.50 3/- each. Rests. Did weeding rose-bed. Very dark, thundery. Mended show and new laces. Soup, poached eggs, as meat no good, as refrigerator defrosted. Washed it out. Sent Sunday papers to Berry’s. 1d stamp.
Tuesday 22nd October 1946
Rain. Mild.
Kimbo messed on my carpet. Phil took me to station. 10.30 to Baker Street. Bus to Selfridges. Bought diary 2/9, jumper, skirt at Evans. Kitty met me at Club 12. Talk, lunch; walked to Neames and taxi to Bruce Green 2/6. To De Bry’s and coffee and cakes there. Very good. Tube (Tottenham Court Road) to Baker Street. Kit to Hampstead. Phil met me Northwood 4.30. He had got Erla wireless in my room working. Rested till 7. Dried cod (like haddock), apples. Kimbo in kitchen.
Wednesday 23rd October 1946
Fair, cooler.
Phil to London to Smart refill. Back p.m. Alys and I cleaning. To lunch Durham. Busy. Men to do immersion heating (connect up) all p.m. Rest. Plays (some not very good). Alys did vegetable marrow stuffed, and mashed potato for supper. Posted lettercard to Ella and to Bank change to address also A.H. Montgomery and Churchill at Albert Hall – anniversary Alamein Day.
Thursday 24th October 1946
Fine on whole. Very cold.
2 letters from Eva came after Alys had gone. Mrs Bearcroft came 9.15 – 11.45. Cleaned Phil’s sitting room and kitchen. Alys to Gordon’s in EYT to meet Sir Bernard Paget and stay night. Phil and I to Durham to lunch. Rested. Laundry came at 1.30 or so. Got coffe and toast for Phil. He put up hooks for coats in hall. We read Times (with Churchill’s question about 200 Soviet Divisions). At 7.20 to Broadway Café, Northwood Hills. Dinner 5/- each. Chicken. ITMA and Michael Miles Quiz.
Friday 25th October 1946
Very cold. Fine.
Up 7. Breakfast 8. Phil walked to station (rheumatic, car charging). Upset milk. Washed it all up. Alys back from Gordon’s 12. Man from Page’s to put up glasses. Shepherds pie lunch. Rest. Alys out to see about garage and get Eva’s photo. I walked with Kimbo to put advert in toy shop and to William’s. Phil back about 5.30 (he had lunch with Diana (née Quick) and had seen Vann about desk in my room – 77 King Henry’s Road. Alys read Eva’s letters in Phil’s bedroom. Kippers supper. Paul Davis phoned.
Saturday 26th October 1946
Milder. Rain at times.
Man came (or boy) to put up mirrors in Alys’ room, bathroom and my room. Alys to shops. I peeled potatoes. 2 plaice (baked and cucumber). Alys made ruff-puff and I covered apples and over-baked it. To Post Office at 3.30 to post Alys’ letter to Eva with Kimbo. Rest. Read. Made Welsh rarebit under grill. Alys made mocha ice cream! “They went Singing” listened in bed by Blair.
Memo:
Meet Kit – Club 12.
22nd Neame 2 o’clock, 21 Devonshire Place.
24th or 25th Laundry coming.
23rd Phil’s refill.
24th Mrs Bearcroft 9.35. Alys to Gordon’s.
Sunday 27th October 1946
Damp, milder.
Stove out. Phil relit it. Alys cooked veal with stuffing and sprouts and roast potatoes. Paul Davis came at 12. Stayed till 5.30 or so. I rested in p.m. and took Kimbo a walk by Kewferry Road till 6. Soup and pilchards and apple sauce. Apple pie at dinner.
Monday 28th October 1946
Very fine.
Mr Dann at 8.45 to do glass and shelf in Dennis’ room. I sewed hat (of coat stuff). Alys and Phil to lunch at Beaconsfield but closed, so to Bull at Gerrards Cross. 5/- and bad. Man to link up immersion heater. Pilchards and custard (dried milk) and apple sauce and tart. To Post Office with Kimbo to post papers to Berry’s (Ed VIII). Rest. Read papers. Bloaters, fried. All listened Boxing (Albert Hall). Vince Hawkins won belt. Middle Weight Champion, from Roderick.
Tuesday 29th October 1946
Very fine. Cold night. Frost.
Dann all day. Phil’s shelves back gate, basin in bathroom, shelves kitchen. Phil and I put rails from “patio” into new hut, and bench too. Cold veal, salad, mashed. Treacle tart. Alys to library. Bricks for coal. Rest. Alys did stuffed onions, supper. Brains Trust. Phil hung “Layton” on stairs. Phil let water out of radiator.
Wednesday 30th October 1946
Fine. Milder.
Dann put shelf over coals and lathe table. Alys and Phil to town in BHN, left it at Ford place for brakes and steering. They lunch Helen and Tony at Montague. I cleaned kitchen and coal place. Tinned “snack” and baked apples. Read Times in drawing room. Lit Cozy stove. Man about electric (immersion). Alys back 4.35. Phil 7.20 – been to lecture at Brompton. Rested. Wrote Kitty. Bacon and eggs.
Thursday 31st October 1946
Fair.
Mrs Bearcroft. To 77 King Henry’s Road with Phil. Valuer from Maples to value Steel desk £75. To Kennedy and Dunphy’s re. rent. Lunch at England’s Lane (Captain Scott). Home by 2.30. Rests. Prepared herrings (rolled) and baked them for supper 7.15 Phil and I in car to “Ritz” Meeting Borough Council and Northwood residents 8 – 10.10.
Friday 1st November 1946
Dull, dark.
To shops with Phil for Middlesex Advertiser and flex. He to Watford. Sausage cakes in oven and tomatoes baked, also mashed potato. Wrote Doz. Alys also. She to Post Office in car and shops. Rest. Wrote about model yacht 55 Upper Park Road, took it and Kim to Post Office at 5.30. Finnan Haddocks from fishmonger at door. 2 meat soups first. Immersion heater on for 1st time. I had bath.
Saturday 2nd November 1946
Dull, foggy.
Phil and I in car to Watford. Bought bread, clock key, fuse box. Walk in Cassiobury Park with Kimbo. Alys cooked round of beef, sprouts, roast potatoes. Phil to Harrow (Tonbridge – Harrow football match). Alys and I walked to 36 Murray Road. Coffee with Mr Longbotham and daughters (Cheston) and Mac and Cairn. Phone from model yacht seller. Soup and ham (Layton). “Saloon Bar” Gordon Harker.
Memo:
2nd Longbotham 4 o’clock.
30th Phil takes BHN to Ford Place.
31st Write Doz. 11.30 Maples at 77 King Henry’s Road.
4th Laundry
1st Eczema better. Had a bath.
Sunday 3rd November 1946
Mild. Damp.
We dusted. Kimbo’s paw bad. At 12, Phil met Kath at the station, back here and we all 4 to lunch at Orchard 12.30. Round by Ruislip reservoir; back, all rested. Tea in Phil’s room. Talk. Phil took Kath to station 6.30 about. Alys felt a bit sick, no dupper. Phil and I beef and bacon, tomatoes, cocoa.
Monday 4th November 1946
Perfect day. Warm.
Phil off in car to 77 King Henry’s Road to meet Vann who buys desk and takes them (chair and trolley) away. Cheque £75.0.0. Alys and I to shops. Alys to Miss Annersley at 6 Murray Road. I to return papers to Longbotham’s. Lunch at Durham. Mrs Light there too. Eventually she drove Alys back here and saw over house. Phil back at 4. Darned socks. Kippers. Phil wrote about model yacht. “The Father” by Strindberg.
Tuesday 5th November 1946
Very fine. Fog in warm evening.
Alys and Phil going to London but EYT wouldn’t start. Washed things. Cold beef and baked tomatoes and grated cheese, mashed potatoes. Alys and Phil off after. Man from Colliver Fisher (garage) to do car. Towed it away. Brought it back 3.45 or 4. Alys and Phil in then. Wrote Baden. Darned socks. Alys did scallops in sauce, breadcrumbs on top. Chestnuts and walnuts, prunes. Brains Trust good. Mills-Baksi. Boxing.
U.S.A. Elections – Republican majority in House and Senate, first time since 1932.
Wednesday 6th November 1946
Duller. Fair.
Did accounts. I walked with Kimbo to Williams, ordered rations and points. To Boots for book. Met Alys and Phil at Durham. Also Mr Longbotham and Miss Nash; all lunch together. Walked home. Rests. At 3.30 came Phil Mobbs (Lowestoft, Kessingland). Had tea and stayed supper. Alys cooked fillets of plaice with herbs and tomatoes. Tomato soup. Wrote to Pickin. Looked at Father’s photos in evening.
Thursday 7th November 1946
Dull. Raw.
Mrs Bearcroft 9.15 – 12. Wrote out application for petrol for Phil’s car CUC at Layton. Phil to Colliver Fisher as EYT flat. Alys and I met him at Durham 12.30. He home to rest. Alys and I to Post Office and Carey’s, the home. Rests. Phil to London for lecture and fetch BHN and dine at the Harold Davis’. Alys and I darned socks. Kitty phoned. Liver sausage and bacon and fried potato; prunes and cake. ITMA, Michael Miles. I to bed 11. Alys 11.35. Phil not home till 1.15 a.m.
Friday 8th November 1946
Fine a.m. Showers.
Walked to butcher’s and Bennett’s, Sainsbury. Rang up Slade about car. Phil in bed most of a.m. Shepherds pie, sprouts, potatoes. Walked to Food Office and and got 8 points for B.U’s. (Bread Units). On way back met Dr Pinsent (“Col”) and he drove me back (and Kimbo). He to tea and till 6.50 or so. Rest, and then in Phil’s room. Col talking about P.O.W.’s in Edinburgh. Kippers. Alys and Phil. Very sleepy and to bed 8.45 or so.
Saturday 9th November 1946
Dull. Showery.
Tidied drawer. Alys and Phil going over Phil’s clothes and putting some in loft. All lunch at Durham. I went 12.30 with Kimbo. Alys to Annersley’s. At 2.15 Slade came and put BHN right (ignition). Then Alys and Phil started for Ashridge (to change battery). Wheel came off (left front). Alys back bus and train. Phil to breakdown garage and taxi back later. Coffee. Rests 6 – 7.15. Meat loaf and beetroot. Apple and prunes.
Memo:
4th Phil meets Vann 11.30 at 77 King Henry’s Road for sale of desk, chair, trolley £75.0.0.
4th Kit to stay with Doz till Thursday.
5th Wrote Blain.
Sunday 10th November 1946
Kimbo puddle. Tidying big desk drawer. Cooked half leg of mutton, cauliflower, potatoes. Made gravy. Phil in lathe room and got engine going, lathe and drill. Rests. Took Kimbo out along Sandy Lodge Way. Dusk. Darned socks and Alys knitting welt. Phil’s jumper. Kipper on toast.s. Corned beef. Apples and cake. At 9.30 Ruth Draper “Old New England women and garden”.
Monday 11th November 1946
Fair.
I to Bruce Green (left Northwood 10.20). Arrived 11.20. Got lenses put in a new frame and left glasses to be mended. To Harris’ (Spode set £105.41 price). De Bry’s. Tube Chalk Farm. Lunch Scott’s. To 77 King Henry’s Road. Changed furniture around; tidied. Milk Bar (Bicard’s) ice and rock-cake 7d. Back Northwood 5.30. Alys fried ham and eggs. Wrote about EYT’s insurance.
Tuesday 12th November 1946
Dullish.
Alys and Phil away 10.30 in BHN. Took it to Ford’s (Gould’s) and to Darlington by train. I cooked up old cake (with milk). Cold mutton and sprouts. Out to buy sweets and Boots, posted my spec with prescription for distance to Bruce Green. Hair trim 1/6 (2/-). Mr Carey and tree-surgeons cut 2 poplar tops off. Gave 2 men tea (Seaforth’s). Milk soup, egg in little pot. Brains Trust. Made cushion seat for chair.
Wednesday 13th November 1946
Very fine.
Woke late and great rush cleaning up and to meet Kitty 12. Put £50 in Bank (l’escritoire money). Lunch at Durham. Walked home. Kitty saw our house; she rested in Phil’s sitting room. I on my bed. Tea. Read our letters to Edward 1898 and diary 1899 (that Diary is missing). July. Saw Kit to station 4.45. Made milk soup, barley flake pudding. Kippers. To bed 10.
Thursday 14th November 1946
Rain all day. Mild.
Up at 7.45. Mrs Bearcroft at 9. Paid 5/-. She cleaned my room. I took Kimbo to vets and she washed him and clipped by his tail and on it. Left him and called for him at 1 o’clock. Wrote Monsieur Stovis and Eva de Baeremaecker re. cheque £50. Milk soup, sardines on toast, cake. Rested on sofa,a fter lighting Cozy stove. “Orley Farm”. Began letter to Eva. Made mince of ham and mutton and onion and gravy. Ate it with sprouts. Darned stockings. “Harriot Mellon” 7. Phoned Sissie. Bed 11 p.m.
Friday 15th November 1946
Dull. Mild.
Slade came and took EYT. Tried to make cream cheese. Made junket (failed). To Butcher and Bank. Made sausage-meat roll and meat cake. Baked apples. Colliver Fisher’s men brought battery (EYT). Mrs Gordon and Colliver Fisher and Paul Davis all phoned. Alys too, from Gould’s (Ford’s). at 4.5. I made sponge-cake hurriedly and Alys and Phil arrived at 5. Coffee and toast. Cod fillets, baked. Alys cooked cream cheese (I’d made of extra milk).
Saturday 16th November 1946
Dull.
Walked with Kimbo to buy cauliflower and to Boot’s. Phil to Edgely’s in car. All to lunch at Durham. Back and wrote Eva. Took it to post at Post Office in car. Alys and I to buy bread (and got chocolate biscuits – 20 points!) Wrote Christina. Rested. Read “Then and Now” Somerset Maugham about Machiavelli. Prepared vegetables for braised mutton. Fried sausage-meat. Alys fried liver and made gravy and did mashed potatoes. Phil wrote Clark about cottages.
Memo:
Meet Kit station 12
Alys and Phil to Layton.
Laundry.
14th Slade to take car EYT.
12th Alys and Phil to Scotch Corner Hotel.
11th Ernest Miles to U.S.A.
6th Wrote Eva and Christina.
Lavatory brush and lead fastener 2/8.
Sunday 17th November 1946
Dull, rainy.
Phil working on lathe. Tidying up for Cattles “are coming”. Took Kimbo short walk. Slade brought EYT back. Braised mutton, stewed endive. Cake. Tried to make chocolate icing. Alys made egg and tomato sandwiches and cress and egg. Chocolate cake and gingerbread (Elizabeth’s) and my sponge sandwich. The Cattles, Mr, Mrs and Cedric stayed till 7 from 4.20. Scrambled eggs with corned beef and cress in. Kipper on toast.
Monday 18th November 1946
Fine. Cold.
Put washing line up. Alys rinsed 2 new pairs of pyjamas and hung up. I wrote Bade with list to come by Hoult’s. All in 2 cars to Rickmansworth. Searched for café (Longbotham) kept by Swiss. Lunch at “Oasis” 2/- each. In Church, read memorial tablets. Looked in shops. Took BHN to Slade’s in Harefield and left it there (10/- p.w.) Home. Walked to Post Office with Kimbo to post Blain’s letter. Rest. Alys made gingerbread. Braised mutton and cauliflower, mashed potato, cream cheese of failed junket.
Tuesday 19th November 1946
Rain all day.
Alys made scones. I made sponge cake. All to Durham to lunch; Alys to Miss Annersley first. Jim Annersley at Durham. Walked back. Alys and Phil in car. All p.m. cutting bread and butter and arranging. At 4 came Mr Robin Longbotham, Mrs Cissie Cheston and Miss Longbotham (in taxi). Left at 5.30. Alys made mince and potatoes for supper. Brains Trust. Marie Celeste. Posted lettercard to Kitty.
Wednesday 20th November 1946
Dull and heavy showers. Mild.
Phil in car to London. Smart’s and Lab. Took glass to be cut. Alys and I lunch 12 (savoury rice and toasted cheese). To sale at 6 Murray Road at 1. Auction 2.15 till 4.30. Mrs Wickham lent shooting stick. Alys bought electric heater 30/-. Walked back. Gingerbread and Alys and Phil coffee. All rested. Kippers at 7.35. Apple sauce. Kit rang up.
Thursday 21st November 1946
Showers and bright intervals.
Mrs Bearcroft cleaned Alys’ room. Alys and Phil in car to Derrylin, brought back electric heater. All to “The Tree”, Rickmansworth lunch 3/- each. Home. I out with Kimbo a little way in EYT for practice. Wrote Eva with catalogue. Rested. Made chocolate filling and chocolate icing for stale chocolate cake. Bloaters fried 7.45. ITMA. All in our sitting-room and upstairs for Michael Miles. Letter from Eva about Eve’s riding. Radio Forfeits.
Friday 22nd November 1946
Sunny at times. Cold.
Mended Phil’s leather coat and loop. Out with Kimbo. Stewed beef from tin, leeks and mashed. Cheese and biscuits. Out with Kimbo. Gas fire in my room. Phil’s overall loop. Rest later. Knitted bits to let out Phil’s sweater (White, Dennis’). Alys and Phil tidying in loft. Finnan Haddocks. Cake. Posted Alys letter to Hoult.
Saturday 23rd November 1946
Windy, rain after tea.
Slade took EYT to do jobs. Phil and I pruned apple trees, all a.m. Alys cooked beef and carrots and roast potatoes and chocolate queen of puddings. I to shops with Kimbo in p.m. Got potatoes and beef and slices galantine. Phil cleared out garage till 3.45. Marion Berry came and stayed coffee and toast. I rested. Fried ham (Layton) and tinned peas. Vegetable soup first.
Memo:
Bernice (pronounced Bur-niece) Cattle – 17th Cattles to tea 4.15.
20th 6 Murray Road sale. Phil to Smart.
19th Longbotham and Mrs Chester 4
18th BHN 5.45 to Slade’s.
24th Alys and Phil to Kit’s 12?
Sunday 24th November 1946
Rain, mild.
Found broken egg, when getting waterglass ones for Kit; so took all out of dustbin. Alys and Phil in Slade’s car Morris 8 to Buchanan’s at 12. I had cold potted meat stuff and beetroot. 2 baked apples and breadcrumb and jam pudding; with 2 eggs in it. Alan Baumer phoned and came at 4.20. Alys and Phil back 3.20. Slade brought EYT back. Alys tired and to bed at 6 after Alan left. Spaghetti and 2 eggs (steamed). General Sir William Slim on “What is Courage?”
Monday 25th November 1946
Mild. Fair. Showers.
Hoult’s arrived at 8.45! Alys and Phil still in bed. They unpacked till about 12. Man came to put telephone in sitting room and extension upstairs. Alys cooked a chicken and we had it at 2. Alys and Phil to town in EYT and to Lab and supper at Paul Davis’ (Belsize). I in car to Post Office and posted book to Alan Baumer and pullover to the Gordon Cleaning Co. Made waterglass for eggs; Galantine and beetroot and made up chocolate pudding and custard. “The Man who Ate the Popomack”.
Tuesday 26th November 1946
Fine day.
Walked with Kimbo to buy more waterglass. Alys to William’s in car. Bought engine book 10/6 for Phil. All in car to Durham. Mr Longbotham there, not well. Made waterglass. All rested. Laundry came. Put eggs in. Mrs Bennett phoned – woman (help) coming, but didn’t come. Alys cooked 2nd chicken and bread sauce and mashed and tomatoes (in oven). Brains Trust. Phil washed up supper and laid breakfast. Kit phoned. Looked up ways to Victoria Park on maps.
Wednesday 27th November 1946
Mild. Showery.
Alys and Phil to Edgely’s (with my clothing coupons) and other shops. Then at 11.30 Phil and I drove to London. I to Bruce Green; lunch at De Bry’s. To Cook’s, Berkeley Street, about Aunt Bella’s things being imported. To Handy’s shop (Arthur Ransome), Heywood Hill. Back Northwood 3.30. Phil back 7.30 (he lunched Phil Mobbs at Montague Hotel and then to 77 King Henry’s Road). Chicken and sausage in sauce. Wrote Eva de Baeremaecker and Eva.
Sent Eva Plasticine, drawing books, reels cotton, small toys, slate notebook. “Peter Waring” Little Dog Barked. Tanglewood Tales Farm showed to children. Reading without tears.
Thursday 28th November 1946
Rainy. Mild.
Breakfast 8. Alys and Phil in car to town. Royal Dental Hospital. They had lunch Bolivar. Mrs Bearcroft. I to Post Office about B.A.O.R. parcels and brought cottons 1/6 back. Packed up parcel for Eva. Took it to post 2/-. Mined the beef and did apple sauce. Welsh rarebit with egg. Alys and Phil back 2.30. Rests. To Post Office with letter to Kit. Read New York Times. Alys cooked scallops. Chicken soup first. To bed 9.15. Clifton Utley.
Friday 29th November 1946
Rainy. Mild.
To Butcher’s with Kimbo. Brought back corned beef and sausage meat and leeks and celery and Aymet? (potted meat from Hudson’s). Phil writing letters. Mince and leeks and mash and apple sauce. Baked the sausage-meat. Made waterglass. Rest. Slade didn’t come. Phil to Edgely’s. To post with Kimbo Alys’ letter to Eva. Looked for leather buttons. Phil made box lids. Scrambled eggs and fried bacon. Cocoa. Williams’ man saw all our stuff!) Put eggs in waterglass.
Saturday 30th November 1946
Rain a.m. Fair p.m.
Breakfast 8.30 Alys helping Phil with his packing. I got cold meats, celery and tomato salad for 12 lunch. All in EYT at 1.10. Drove to London Chest Hospital, Hackney via Archway Road, Hoxton Road. Got there 2.12. Phil’s luggage unloaded by 2 porters. Alys drove back. Arrived 3.35 or 40. Coffee, toast. Rests. Shepherds pie 7.30. Phil phoned 8.45. To bed 9.
Memo:
Laundry 25th or 26th.
28th Pickin rent. Cheque 8.8.0 for 12 weeks. Kennedy and Dunphy to Feb 20th.
24th Alys and Phil to Buchanan’s.
25th Alys and Phil to Paul Davis.
Phil away 30th.
Sunday 1st December 1946
Very fine a.m. Duller p.m.
I began braised loin mutton. Alys put in rock plants from Layton. Cold meats at 1.20. Rests. “The Daughters of the Late Colonel” K. Mansfield 4. Very good. Wrote Doz and Hoult’s and Kennedy and Dunphy (rent 77 King Henry’s Road). Soup and Welsh rarebit (with 2 eggs). In sitting room (Phil’s), play by Thornton Wilder on 3rd Programme.
Monday 2nd December 1946
Fine, then dull.
Slade came 9.45 or so. I took EYT to do brushes and to post lampshade to Phil, 9 letters; bought grapes, tinned 1/7 and 2 Wilson’s sausages (tins) 5/8. 4 pints marmalade 1.0.2. Braised mutton; and barley flake pudding and custard. Rest. Alys defrosting refrigerator. Several hours. Walk with Kimbo at 4. Lost his collar. Made sponge cake. Soup (pea) and sardines. Made collar for Kimbo from red bag. Phil phoned 9.20.
Tuesday 3rd December 1946
Fine. Cold.
To Boots for Phil’s Cheyney books. Back. Did 2 up for post. Alys cleaned oven. Braised mutton and pudding from gingerbread with custard. To Post Office with books for Phil. To Bank and got small loaf and ¼ of chocolate biscuits. Rests. Listened-in “The Robinson Family” and “Here’s Wishing You Well Again” and “Wives and Daughters”. Made apple sauce. Alys wrote Eva and Mink. Ham and eggs and spinach. Brains Trust. Mended gloves. Comedies of Aristophanes.
Wednesday 4th December 1946
Very fine. Cold.
Went to butcher’s and Bank and Food Office. Doz phoned about 12.30. She had a telegram saying that Edward died at 2.30 a.m. I rang up Llanfairfechan. Dr Starkey there. Dr McKay away. Arranged to go on 5th and funeral 6th. After lunch, got train. Alys to Mrs Cattle. Rested. Rang Doz at 2 or so. Wrote Ella. Rang Kitty. Spinach soup and haddocks. Phil phoned. Rang Neve for Kimbo (Harding).
Thursday 5th December 1946
Dark. Damp. Foggy, fine a.m.
Up 7.30. Mrs Bearcroft came. Colliver Fisher car didn’t come 9.30 very late. Took Kimbo to Neve’s. Alys and I drove to Euston; got there 10.45. Train 11.15 3rd class. Good lunch 12.15, tea 3.30. Through Chester and arrived at Llanfairfechan 4.55. Met by Meredith, head male nurse. Taxi to Llanfairfechan Hotel. Then drove to Bryn y Neuadd. Saw Dr McKay. We saw Edward in his coffin. Drove back to Hotel. Dinner 6.30. Reverend Williams called about 8 and stayed till 9. Very sweet gentle little Welsh man. To bed 9.50 or so.
Friday 6th December 1946
Fine. Dull later.
Breakfast 9. Car 10.25. Meredith first, about the wreath they’d’ made. Drove to Church. Funeral Service; to cemetery; Rector with us in car. Back to Hotel (Dr Starkey on way). Out to shops. Bought apron 9/6 and Alys got scarf 15/- (presents). Bills at hotel 14/- each. Walked to station. 1 o’clock train (from Holyhead) to Euston. Dinner 1.45. Tea 4. Arrived 7 (due 6.35). Phil met us. Dinner at Euston Hotel. Good, dear 5/- each and 7/- extra charges. Taxi to Baker Street. Train Northwood. Taxi home at 8.45. Read letters from Eva in Alys’ bedroom.
Saturday 7th December 1946
Fine on whole. Very raw.
Phil and I in car to Brackenbury Cottage, Breakspear Road South to get Kimbo from Miss Harding’s Kennels. Paid 5/- for 2 nights. All to lunch Durham. Then drove round b y reservoir, Ruislip and again. Rests. Wrote Doz. Out with Kimbo round block. Wilson’s sausages. Alys fried with tomatoes and mashed potato. To bed 9.15. Play “House Party” Guy Rawlence.
Memo:
Phil’s post, House Physician London Chest Hospital begins this week – 1st.
5th Laundry.
3rd to Kit’s 12 or later.
2nd Letters to Doz, Hoult’s (complaint). Petrol for CVC. Rent for 12 weeks to Kennedy and Dunphy.
10th Eva wrote that Eve is to broadcast on Xmas Day (before the King’s Broadcast) as a child in B.A.O.R. (British Army of the Rhine).
Sunday 8th December 1946
Rain and wind. Cold. Raw.
Rang up Kit but no answer. Up 8.30. After breakfast finished letter to Doz and enclosed cheque £12 and the report about E.B. (Edward Barnard). Wrote Dr Tennant, Northampton with £2.0.0 for staff. Braised mutton, sprouts, mashed. To post letters (and I to Thornett) before lunch. Phil rested on couch. Phil had a Colliver Fisher car to station at 6 or 5.50 (and back to Bethnel Green). We had bacon and eggs and tomatoes. To bed early.
Monday 9th December 1946
Dull. Cold.
Finished doing up parcels for Berry’s. Alys drove me to station. 10.2 train. To 77 King Henry’s Road. Thornett’s brought couch, chair and mirror from Lab. To Kennedy and Dunphy about key. To Foyle’s. To Kit’s (tube Hampstead). Lunch with her at 53 Frognal. Bacon sandwich, (soup first), potato crisps, chestnuts, cider. Talk. Rest on sofa. Tea. Kit walked to Finchley Road with me. Home before 6. Taxi 2/-. Alys had Mrs Cattle to tea. Filleted plaice in oven with tomatoes, cheese, onion. Alys wrote Secretary of State for Air about James going.
Tuesday 10th December 1946
Fine, fair, fog in evening.
Alys and I in car to photographers and had photos taken. Shopped and posted parcels to Eva in High Street. To Pinner and lunched “Corner Ways” 12.30 queue. Very good 2/-. Alys 2/4. To Woolworths. To William’s re. oranges. I got cigs and chocolate while Alys got petrol and air. I walked back home with Kimbo. We sat in Phil’s sitting room. I read diary 1898 to Alys. Braised mutton and mashed. Brains Trust. Hot bath.
Wednesday 11th December 1946
Dull, damp, milder.
Alys to Mrs Gibb and I to Eborns at 2. Reading Edward’s diaries and putting mine away. Alys to Miss Sage about Eve’s broadcast. I made curry of braised mutton. Alys did artichokes. Rested. Alys put up line in kitchen. Began cap for James of Alys’ blue wool (for him crossing to Cuxhaven). Wrote Baden with petrol coupons and Hoult about Teddy’s bill; and to Post Office at 5. Sunday papers too with soup and ham (Layton). Alys boiled; and apple sauce.
Thursday 12th December 1946
Fine. Cold. Frosty.
Mrs Bearcroft cleaned Alys’ room. Alys washed Phil’s flannels. Alys and I in car to Carey’s, 8 High Street. Sent chocolate to Phil, rug to Northwood Hills. Got cigarettes there and book. Home. I planted marguerites, anchusa, lupins (from Layton). Alys made cake. Curry and rice at 1.30. Rests. Knitted James’ cap. Alys trying to mend lamp. She put heater in car bonnet. Kippers, apple sauce and cake. ITMA. Radio Forfeit (in bed). Phil phoned 1.45 and about caravan. Sold for £150.
Friday 13th December 1946
Frosty. Fog in a.m. Clearer later.
Alys and I to fetch proofs of photos from Weston. To Boots. Lunched at Durham. Alys ironed Phil’s shirt. I ironed hem of velour skirt. Sewed it up, in bedroom before resting. To post with Kimbo at 5. With Alys’ letter to Eva. Good bacon and eggs. Phil phoned 9.5.
Saturday 14th December 1946
Milder. Fair.
Alys to photographers and to get 100 cigarettes at stationer. Then we did up parcels for Eva and Teddy and took them to post in High Street. Bought Maltobars and suspenders. Lunch at 1.35. Cold ham (Layton). Soup first – Heinz – our stock. Upstairs. Sewed pocket on velour. We did curtains for spare room. Pulleine egg, tomato cheese at 8. Phil phoned 9. “Strange Case of Blondie White”. Very good. Richard Hurndall – Frank Warren. Edward Lexy – Major Mason. Lueen Macgrath – Rita Warren. By Bernard Merivale and Jeffrey Den.
Memo:
9th Lunch with Kitty
“Pigeon Post” to Jim in Hamburg
9th Parcel with tin flat box to Eva (Alys). Not registered.
Parcel – red milk tin with tin sugar in it, spices – registered.
20th Did Lyon’s coffee tin: 24 cigarettes – registered.
Blue and gold tin with new Lyon’s coffee in it and jet tops and wrist watch and “We read them aloud” – not registered.
14th 100 cigarettes, stamps for James’ present. Coffee, cigarettes and old cigarettes.
Sunday 15th December 1946
Fine. Cold. Sunny.
Getting ready for Gwen, house clean and tidy. Beef round cooked in new tin with cover. Roast potatoes and sprouts, cake and jam. In bedroom in p.m. Planning my curtains. On bed 30 minutes. “Mr Polyon”. Alys on sofa. At 6.20 or so Will and Gwen Cave came (staying with Dr Hinds Howell’s at 3 Moor Park Road). Sherry and talk. Left at 7.45. Soup and bacon and eggs at 8.15. Took Kimbo out.
Monday 16th December 1946
Very cold indeed. Grey.
Lighted kitchen stove. We unpacked James’ trunk and Alys washed his sweaters. To Post Office and bought postal orders. Back and both in car to Edgely’s for James’ stockings. Lunch at Durham. Back and Alys walked station and to Sagne’s to meet Phi, but he phoned – Smart prevented it. So I phoned her at Sagne’s. Electricity failed 5 – 5.45. Got candles. Alys back in taxi 6. Soup and cold bacon. Alys only soup and to bed 8.25.
Tuesday 17th December 1946
Very cold but very sunny.
Fed birds. Tit-bell. We cut off big piece of ham from hut and boiled it. Alys did James’ room. Walked shops. Alys in car. Hudson’s. Lunch at Durham. To Pinner Woolworth’s. Got 11 Malto bars at 1.4. Alys sent 4 chocolate to Phil by letter-post. To William’s. Back. Rests. Supper of hot ham (at 7) and peas. Sewed my curtains and Brains Trust. Doris phoned. Orange!
Wednesday 18th December 1946
Cold.
Alys out at 9 to go to Charing Cross and meet James. Mrs Bearcroft came at 2 – 4. James came by later train 4, instead 10 so Alys in town all day, and phoned me. I minced the beef. Read on sofa in p.m. Alys and James at 5 and had tea with acelet (haslet) meat.
Thursday 19th December 1946
Snowed a good deal. Warmer.
Snow. James played with railway on floor. Alys washed and ironed his clothes. I finished his balaclava cap. Alys and James in car to Edgely’s, and all of us lunch Durham. Hudson’s and home. James made castle in snow. Marion called with tins for Eva. Mince and warmed up sprouts and potatoes at 7.30. James got his present ready – shells to be packed.
Friday 20th December 1946
Very snowy and icy. Sunny a.m.
Mrs Gibb called 10.30 with presents for Berry’s. Colliver Fisher car late as usual. All of us at 11 drove to St Pancras and saw James off to Germany with 420 B.A.O.R. (British Army of the Rhine) children for holidays. I to get key at Dunphy 5. Lunch at Milk Bar, Swiss Cottage. Back at 3.10 (Kimbo alone 4 hours). Alys back 5. Made creamed codfish with cheese for supper. Wrote Doris with cheque and Lucy.
Saturday 21st December 1946
Slippery frozen snow. Sunny. Cold.
Walked to buy sprouts and beetroot with Kimbo. Also got 2lb marmalade, 8 points and Ryvita, chocolate biscuits 5 points. Posted Xmas cards from Alys. Acelet (haslet) and ham and beetroot. In bedroom mended lambskin gloves all p.m. Good play “When the Bough Breaks” by Henrietta Leslie and Laurier Lister. Alys met Phil about 4. Tea and talk. Cold ham and soup. Wash basin run away frozen 2 days and nights.
Memo:
16th Owe BHN 4 weeks @ 10/- = £2.0.0.
Perhaps Phil back on 21st to 24th.
20th Boat, James to B.A.O.R.
18th James back from school.
16th Posted letter to Minnie and Sissie and Teeds (with 5/-).
17th Posted Baden card Abe Lincoln and 20/-. Nora Blain 10 and Nancy and Rona 2/6 savings stamps.
Sunday 22nd December 1946
Thaw all day. All snow gone buy evening.
James should arrive Cuxhaven-Altona. Lettercard to Doz (about Eve’s broadcast. Sent Ella ground nuts. Very slippery to post. Alys cooked roast beef, sprouts, roast potatoes, chocolate pudding with chocolate frutella and dried milk – ersatz! Rests (Alys didn’t have one). I packed suitcase for Phil, tailcoat for lending Xmas show; dinner jacket. Cold ham at 8. Phil away (Colliver Fisher) at 8.40.
Monday 23rd December 1946
Thaw. Raw, dull.
Walked to Boots and got 2 books, to sweet shops. Back. Packed up books and Arctic Adventure and medical book. Alys in car to post and sent registered to Phil. Cold beef, beetroot and roast potatoes in jackets and steamed fruit pudding. Rests. After going in car to post lampshade to Phil and to fill up cans and car with petrol. Alys phoned Rene and Kitty (about Eve). We read Edward’s reports. Kaufman “The Man Who Came to Dinner”. Very good play. Alex Woollcott had played it.
Tuesday 24th December 1946
Fine on whole.
Cleaned. Walked on with Kimbo and Alys in car and lunch Durham. 3/6. Very crowded. In p.m. walked down to Post Office to post cards and letter with Albert Hall tickets to Lois. Sat in sitting-room. Alys slept (very unusual) on bed. Ate apple while Alys had coffee. Made soup. Ham. Posted Alys’ letter to Leata Daniel. Mystery play “The Second Door”.
Wednesday 25th December 1946
Showers. Mild.
Bernice Cattle in asking us tomorrow to goose. Alys and I drove to Longbotham’s with card. In for 5 minutes. Lunch at 1.15, slices of beef in gravy of onion and tomato, sprouts. Steamed pudding. Machined clean sheet and patched all p.m. Also hung curtains in my room. We listened at 2 for Eve’s broadcast; but it was cut out. King at 3. Soup, ham, apple sauce, tangerines. Posted letter to Eva.
Thursday 26th December 1946
Sunny. Mild.
Took Kimbo out a little. Dressed, black velour skirt and little coat, striped silk blouse (Kitty’). To dinner at the Cattle’s at 12. Sherry. Derrick and Nigel and Bernice. Roast goose, plum pudding. Hard sauce. Mince pie. Trifle. Stayed till about 3.10. Home. Sat by fire. Changed and rested. Sewing curtains in evening. Alys too. She wore her claret plum dress at Cattle’s. Phil phoned. Tomato eggs. Potato cheese pie; apple sauce.
Friday 27th December 1946
Dullish. Fine early. Mild.
Alys and I in car to Kitty’s; arrived 11.30. Lunch 12.45. Sherry first. Cold beef, potatoes in jackets, beetroot. Jelly. Away 1.15. Home 2. Alys got oil in car. Mrs Bearcroft came 2 – 4. I rested and pinned curtains. Took Albert Hall tickets to post in EYT at 2.30. Phoned Lois and heard Laurie was married to Ele Dupré. Sewed curtains. Phil phoned before supper. Soup, ham. Girl Parachute “Moondrop to Gascony” about Anne-Marie Walters.
Saturday 28th December 1946
Dullish. Some bright bits.
Did up honey (4 one lb pots) for Blennerhassett. Alys to butcher, walked. Wrote Laurie. Lunch early. Stewed beef and gravy, dried potatoes (mashed) tin. In car to post, and sprouts. Drove to Harefield and beyond, towards Denham. Home 4 and rested. Found Dennis’ lab curtains and Alys began making for kitchen. I finished my bedroom curtains. “Androcles”, Shaw. Haddock and steamed treacle pudding.
Memo:
24th Laundry. Dr John Rawlins, Dr Allenby, Peter Preston R.M.O.
22nd James arrives Altona, Hamburg.
28th Sent off honey to T. Blennerhassett, Kenton. Letter to Laurie. Congratulations on marriage, Ele Dupré.
Alys card to Doz at Berridge House.
Sunday 29th December 1946
Foggy. Mild.
Cut out chair-cover and back. Alys’ hot bottle leaked and mattress very wet. Stew and sprouts and mash and treacle pudding warmed up. Kitty phoned about Doz’s visits. Rest in p.m. after doing chair cover. Alys doing kitchen curtains out of Lab screen material (green). I made peppermints and soup (Viteem oxtail). Ham supper. Worked till 9.45. both. Phil phoned at 8.55.
Monday 30th December 1946
Fine. Lovely.
Did tidying on Terrace and coke pile. Both to lunch at Durham. Rode round by Pembroke Road and saw Mrs Light’s No. Seven “Design for Home”. Wrote Agatha and Dorothy Brown. Alys to Post Office, letter to Eva. Sat by fire and read. Alys made gingerbread. I made soup. Kitty phoned. Soup and colcannon with bacon in it. Finished chair cover. Alys finished curtains (kitchen). Sidney Laughton phoned.
Tuesday 31st December 1946
Rain and electric light at breakfast. Very fine all day.
On terrace clearing weeds and leaves and gravel. Alys making curtains. Stew with port I it. Treacle tart. I out to Post Office and to “gravel-pits” with Kimbo. Back at 3.40. Rest. Slept. Made “Soupe à L’oignon” which we had after ham toasts (Alys made). Alys finished curtain for lavatory. I mended gloves. Brains Trust. Phil phoned 9.15. (Not heard yet from Eva since James’ arrival; presumed on 22nd.)
The Diaries of my Great-Great-Aunt Kate 