1946 and After

Summary

Tuesday, 1 January.

Yesterday the weather was vile – foggy and freezing. However I washed. The lorry never turned up to bring Jim and company home from work at the brickworks. They trained and he was an hour late for his meal. Today it is still freezing, but bright. Healthy weather to be out in but I was tied to the house as the doctor never arrived until nearly 4 o’clock. I gave him as a New Year gift a jar of blackcurrant jelly and one of apple ginger jam as I much appreciate his calling monthly and keeping Father in order. Father asked him if he enjoyed Christmas; he replied ‘Had the 3 kids in bed with flu.’ Rather a sad state of affairs in a doctor's household.

Thursday, 3 January.

Yesterday was very dull and still freezing. On account of Mr Smith calling late Tuesday evening and saying he wanted his hut for his own use (that we use at the garden) I called at St Andrews Road to view a hut advertised, but it was not very suitable and was priced at £10 – 10 feet X 6 feet. I also went to Food Office to have Jim's milk and eggs continued but they told me to call next week as period was not up till then. Our usual chemist could not supply Father's liquid paraffin so I had to go to Boots who would not let me have it until 2 hours ahead, which meant another journey. It seemed altogether a fruitless morning but I did luckily get some frozen cod for dinner. After dinner I went to garden to carry away as much stuff from the hut that I could manage, and I must have looked like a tinker laden with pots and tins and other old junk. This morning I went to War Agricultural [Executive Committee] to see about the flooding from the ditch. The man was very sympathetic and said he would soon have the trouble attended to and even said he was glad I called and let him know the state of affairs. Of course fair promises are cheap, but they certainly soon disposed of that unwanted clay the men threw over my hedge, so I have hope.

Today is the 4^th day of frost and has been sunny all day.