1948 diary of domestic life. " what greater or more precious privilege can any being have than to take care of and give happiness to another"
Tuesday 3rd November,
Dear Jeremy,
While sorting through some more papers I came across these pages of an early diary. It goes back to the beginning of 1948, the year we were married and though it does not follow from my last letter I thought you might find it amusing. You need not include in "My Life" but maybe it is a picture of a very young me. I was 21 remember!
19th March, 1948 Pietermaritzburg
Most lax was I yesterday evening but the weather was true to forecast "a snorter of a day", to quote the announcer (on the wireless). So with energy much sapped twas all I could manage to sit quietly and read.
After dragging through some housework I remembered to do the exercises to slim the waist but of course I have forgotten again today. It makes me quite miserable to see just how much weight I have put on since January 3rd. Perhaps I am not energetic enough about my housework, but gee I wish I could lose it.
Post was large, most satisfying Mum's letter was very happy. She enjoyed the trip back (she and Gerald had brought our wedding presents) and was even more happy to know that Dad had been expecting them as Chummie (the Fox Terrier) had been behaving strangely all afternoon. Gran said she was never to leave Dad again as he missed her terribly.
I was extremely happy to have letters from Peggy Jackson and Mary Barlow. Knowing the small amount of correspondence Peg has I am pleased she has accepted me in her numbers. Happily she writes but wishes Kitty and I were back in the library. They seem to be cosily settled in the Homestead and how like Peggy to have a maid to serve morning tea and breakfast and then to have the rest of her meals at the Carlton (hotel).
Michael and I were most joyful when Stuart and Wendy invited us to go for a drive with them to take the fresh evening breeze. Through the town we sped and climbed out of the valley on the Hilton road. We drank in the refreshing cool air and enjoyed the pleasing view of the hills and the wee pond surrounded by trees and emerald green grass. We had a closer look at the Hilton Hotel and on our way back called in at the large castle-like house which seems to tower like an ancient feudal stronghold over the valley. The view was perfect and we explained to the owner that we were interested to see the place and the view and then drove back home to a hurriedly prepared supper.
21st March. 1948
Mine is not a very reformable soul and despite the resolution to write faithfully each day, I have transgressed. Feeling refreshed I opened my book to scribble again only to find that my dear husband has gone off with my precious pen so naturally I appropriated his. (Note added later) False! It was in my handbag all the time.
Saturday morning proved somewhat hectic as I prepared for Betty (old school and university friend) to spend the week-end with us. I cooked for lunch-time but the jolly piece of beef would insist upon staying raw one inch below the outermost layer. It got to the point where I was weeping hysterically.
To crown all this Michael who had gone to town with a list and returned with ham, a half pound, which I had bought the day before, weevilly dog biscuits and no flowers. Most unreasonably I was very angry.
Feeling really fed-up with housekeeping and cooking my kind attentive husband insisted that after a thorough massage I should sleep while he washed up. Protests were forcibly overcome as he lifted me up and carried me though to the bedroom. Gratefully I rested but unfortunately was not ready when Betty did arrive.
The early session at the Grand bioscope attracts us. As arranged we went to see Bette Davies and John Dall (?) in The Corn is Green. A very good film with excellent acting. Details and thoughts were much appreciated by us although we did speculate as to what the British world has done in certain parts where we felt more restraint was called for.
On arriving home we enjoyed a supper of sandwiches and toasted buns with syrup and sat long chatting while Michael recalled P.O.W experiences in Italy and Germany and his stay in England after being released
Late into the night we sat talking before retiring to bed. Betty slept on the divan in the lounge where we made her as comfortable as was possible.
Skellie and Bonnie have now taken up their sleeping quarters in our bedroom as Bonnie's wanderlust and their combined nocturnal barking is not approved of. They were rather restless during the night and poor Michael woke up with a sore throat and chest.
Betty and I prepared breakfast. Betty decided to poach an egg which I have never found an easy matter. She enjoyed herself despite my disparaging remarks on it's appearance. After a hasty tidying up we relaxed a while before going for a walk round the camp. We watched a small yellow piper aeroplane land on the aerodrome, inspected the old mess rooms and cookhouse and looked at the swimming bath over the wall.
Although it has rained we were not sorry as it proved to give us a peaceful and restful weekend.
Our lunch was light, salad, fruit salad and cream with the inevitable cup of tea. While Michael attended to the scullery work Betty and I made cocoanut cakes which, despite our nervous worries, proved to be not only edible but very tasty. Our success was loudly applauded by each and every one.
The afternoon was quietly spent reading and very proudly I served tea out of my beautiful tea set which delighted us all.
Michael has gone to church tonight. Out of a pig-headed mood I refused to accompany him and consequently my ugly soul made a few spurning remarks in an attempt to infuriate him. Only Michael does not get infuriated, he laughs at me and I tactlessly say many things which hurt. His is a sensitive soul which requires gentle handling. Clumsy me I have much, oh so much to learn!
I cant imagine any woman having a finer and kinder husband, this does not include my father, of course. Michael's attention towards Betty this weekend made me love him more and more. His cheerful spirit drives through ones darkest mood and his helping hand is offered with the most charming grace. My love for him is big but not big enough to go on giving as he does all the time. My aim will be to make it so as what greater or more precious privilege can any being have than to take care of and give happiness to another.
22nd March, 1948
Here am I baby-sitting. It was with many loud yells that Jonathan bid his parents spend a pleasant evening. But with Mama out of sight Papa came back to calm him down.
Sleep, however, was not on his list tonight so he ambled round saying no, no no!! and moon and star-gazed. I popped him into the pram after a while and with the dogs walked up the road hoping to tire him if he still refused to sleep. It was no good so realising he was playing me up I popped him into bed and said in a strong soft voice 'Doodoos' and doodoos it was!. Now all is quiet.
Michael returned from his lecture and with a hot drink and aspros he was sent to bed to sweat out the cold which has taken its abode in his dear chest. The darling feels somewhat gone in and tells me not to fuss him when I barely look his way. Actually he is quietly enjoying the special attention.
Late rising pays no dividends and when one gets chatting with other housewives before the flat is tidied it is disastrous, so I find.
Jonathan played happily with me this morning. I solicit his help and chat to him and there is no trouble. Mama fusses a little but so it is when there is only one child. She does not even believe in the light smack when he is particularly obstreperous.
Jonathan is an adorable sausage though and I have been completely captivated by his mischievous smile and button nose.
28th March, 1948
Last night when I came home Bonnie had a very red and swollen eye. After close inspection Michael thought it might be distemper as he had been housed in the dog box coming here. Firstly he scanned the pages in Spratts Dog Management dealing with common ailments. To our horror pustules on her tummy seemed most damning evidence of the dreadful disease. She slept well after I had bathed it with boracic lint.
This morning it was no better so leaving all my housework I went in to the Vet. To my relief a bloodsmear showed so signs of distemper it appeared to the Vet that she had received a bang on the eye. Fortified with a bottle of drops I came home much relieved. Her appetite is good though she has not been so lively. I also enquired about her being car sick but apparently that is quite a normal ailment in pups. Bonnie takes her treatment very nicely and causes no trouble whatsoever.
Although the weather was very sultry I felt surprisingly energetic and got stuck into some straightening up and some baking. My domestic triumphs are doomed to tragic happenings. With cake half mixed the electricity went off 'midst a violent storm which shattered me. Every time the lightening flashed a pinging noise went through the flat. Panic stricken I rushed next door to see whether this weird behaviour was common here. There was such a loud crash that I jumped nearly four foot off the ground and broke out into a sweat.
Michael was home when I returned and had already peeped under the bed to see if I was there. No electricity and suppertime certainly do not go hand in hand. In the dark with a primus I did my worst. Michael then lit a lamp and we were just getting things organised when the lights came on again.
Ungrammatical and quaint perhaps but these were mainly notes not meant for publication..when you have had your giggle please delete and I will try and do better next week.
Love you, Mum