State Library of NSW
[Page 109]
Mums diary is very full from May onwards, each day is filled in with reports on her day to day activities. She had lots of visitors throughout the year and Dottie Young spent 10 days with Mum in July. Mother managed another train ride to Broadmeadows in May, a visit to Grace and Les and old Aunty Flo. Before the year was out Mother had 2 further visits to Sydney and another visit to Barraba in September. Mums train journeys have become legendary. We all can visualise her arrivals and departures at various railway stations. Always with her brown suitcase in hand, a look of eagerness, sometimes uncertainty on her face, a tear or two in her eyes, warm hugs of welcome or goodbyes. Those incredibly strong hands, her beautiful hair. Some years ago I told Mum she was my living National Treasure."
The Christmas puddings were made in August (2 because a family Christmas in Canberra was planned). Just for the record, the puddings were frozen until required! Mum spent a lot of time with a pen in her hand, one day she records she wrote 9 letters, another past time was her "MONMARTE" jig saw puzzle, completed during 1986.
Diary Extract:
December
Christmas 1986 was celebrated in Barraba. It was a terific time for all even though we all fell ill with "Dehli Belly". Mum was not well and returned home with Merle and Ron and stayed with them for 3 weeks or so, she clearly needed looking after.
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