November 1, l965
Dearest Mom and Dad,
This Sunday morning found me reciting my prayers at 2 a.m. as I lay on the floor of a barn with the Captain's knees in my left rib-cage, the Lieutenant's knees in my right rib-cage, and cows licking and chewing the canvas that had been intended as our only protection from the chill of the night!
Let me begin at the beginning. On Saturday afternoon, October 30th, eleven Guides from Leicester Company #8 (aged 13 and over) were to meet at St. Margaret's bus station at 1:50 with rucksack on their backs and
Wellington's on their feet. (They had deposited their sleeping bags with the Captain at the regular meeting the night before). These eleven girls were divided into two patrol, had been well supplied with detailed maps of the county, and told to take a certain bus to a certain spot, walk to another given spot, and there they would find instructions at the base of a road sign. See map:
Meanwhile the Captain, Dorothy Whatton, and the Lieutenant, Lesley, and I and ALL the sleeping bags and ALL the cooking gear piled into Dorothy's little green Mini and scooted out to the first sign post to deposit the first set of instructions, then on to the second bus stop to leave the other set of instructions. We then drove on quickly to a spot near enough the crossroads where we could hide the Mini (over half a mile away) and duck behind a stone wall to watch the girls pass. They had planned the itinerary so well that both buses left at the same time and each patrol should arrive at their destination at the same time (it was equal distance by footpath AND by road for each patrol). On top of that, there was a spot where, if walking equally fast, the two patrols SHOULD cross each other's path! - ingenius Guider planning! Their instructions advised the girls to approach this cross-roads under cover lest they be seen by the other patrol.
I was all set with my camera to take what I could. Actually, we had to hide some distance from the intersection lest we be seen, and neither group paid any attention to disguising themselves! The first patrol arrived two minutes later than scheduled, but the second was another 15 minutes in coming. All was well. The three of us legged it back to the van and dashed up
Beacon Hill, where both patrols were scheduled to arrive simultaneously, this time being camouflaged as well as racing to raise the colors first!
Dusk was nigh and no sign of girls anywhere! We waited and waited and waited up on that windy hill. Finally the second group arrived with a few sprays of bracken in one hand and a most delightful flag made out of a long scarf and an extra pair of socks at each end. We chatted and shivered together for a few minutes, then sent them down the hill to a sheltered spot to await the other patrol while we climbed back into the Mini and set out to look for Patrol #1 - and found them coming along happily enough, for they had stopped for "tea" and had a nice rest! They had to forget about mounting the colors and just get along to the other patrol so that they could all walk the last three miles together in the dark. Meanwhile, we scooted ahead to light the fire and have the soup hot on their arrival. On arriving at the farm, the Captain felt she should notify the tenant farmer of our arrival (she had obtained permission from the owner but suspected that he MAY not have told the man on the land itself). She knocked on the door, and the little old man inside would only turn on the outside lights, turn off the inside lights, and hide behind the curtains watching us!!! We called to him, but to no avail; so we piled back into the Mini and drove over to another tenant farmer across the roadway. After telling him the situation, he very kindly drove back with us (in his car) to explain to the old man and get us squared away.
By this time the girls had arrived to no fire and there was no straw on the brick floor of the shed where we were to sleep!! But not a complaint did I hear after their 8-mile trek. They pitched in cheerfully, and in jig time the soup was hot and bedding settled on the floor with straw obtained from the large barn at the top of the hill. After supper most of the girls were still full of beans and went out to sing and dance in the meadow (dodging the meadow pancakes!) while the Captain, Lieutenant, a couple of girls and I sat in the shed feeling the chill of the fall evening as the wind whistled through. The Captain very quietly began to sing "In the Bleak MidWinter"...
When the Captain last slept in the shed, it had been summer time when the farm implements were in the field and the shed filled with straw. This time the machinery was in the shed and the straw in the barn for the winter! So the amount of space left for fourteen sleeping bags was minimal at best! And the straw only what we were given that night. The girls had settled in against the back wall, so we were left up front right at the doorway with its wooden gate (FORTUNATELY) to keep those four cows OUT! Thus I had ribs nudged by human knees and toes trampled by cows plus night noises that would be hard to match anywhere - cows licking and eating canvas to the accompaniment of screeching owls outside!
Sunday morning was, of course, the first rainy Sunday in over 8 weeks! We did manage to cook breakfast before it started, but as the girls set out (all together the rest of the way) the rain began to come down. The plan for the day was simple enough: the girls would walk 3 miles (mostly by footpath) to a spot not far from the bus stop where we would have a roaring fire and a hot pork dinner ready for them before they boarded the bus for home. But alas! it was so cold and so wet that we decided unanimously to backtrack, meet the girls, have them catch the nearest bus for
Leicester and meet us in the church rooms (where they have their meetings) for the hot dinner. We drove to the exit of the footpath where they should have been emerging - no girls!
Well, to make a long story shorter, for 2 1/2 hours we drove around and walked down that footpath and tried to figure out where they could be - around and around and around and around. Then, all of a sudden, there they were! They had indeed gotten lost because the footpath had petered out and they had tried to find their way out. Evidently, it was Julie Walmsley who found an obscure little path heading in the right direction which led them to the right road! But, Oh my! were they cold and wet! The Lieutenant walked with them toward the village as the Captain and I sped ahead to a snack bar where we ordered 14 coffees to be downed quickly before the next bus to head back to dinner at the Church rooms. There was conversation about not feeling like food and wanting to go home, but we made it clear that the food would be there waiting for them and it would be en route anyway.
They boarded the bus feeling better but mighty cold and wet. We dashed into the church rooms, set the table, and cooked the food JUST in time for their arrival - all eleven of them. They sat down and ate and ate and ate as the windows dripped with steam from all the wet garments! And after dinner they stayed and stayed and stayed - cheerful, happy, warm, well-fed, and with a glorious adventure behind them. We asked what they might have done to have spared themselves being lost and got several good suggestion. We asked if they would do it again and got a strong, affirmative answer!
And so they departed at last. It was great, every minute of it. This, to me, is Scouting at its best - a credit to the Captain. She herself was a Queen's Guide and obviously enjoys Guiding tremendously. The plans were great - creative, interesting, challenging to the girls. The fact that they got lost AND analyzed it afterward was a growing/learning experience. And going home after all that with pink cheeks, bright eyes, and smiles was proof positive of SUCCESS with capital letters!
Much love,
Mary
P.S. Tell Gene that the Captain chuckled with delight and the Lieutenant shivered with fright as I told them of that never-to-be-forgotten Scout camping trip to the Vineyard when our tent was upended in the middle of the night by the boy with the Mercedes Bens!
* * * * *
Guy Fawkes Day
November 5th, 1965
Dearest Mom and Dad,
I think it's absolutely GREAT that you want to share a nippy Christmas with us! As a matter of fact, the stores are overloaded with Christmas EVERYWHERE - tree decorations, chocolate Santa Clauses, gifts, etc. We thought we were bad in the States, but I don't recall seeing this much this soon ever before! I was walking around through it all the other day and couldn't help but feel how different and somewhat lonely Christmas would be without family around, and now I needn't think those thoughts any more! Jolly good!!
I shall book accommodations somewhere as soon as I know a bit more definitely what you like. I have seen only one "motel" in all our travelling around, and that was not worth looking into. It was in
Scotland, anyway. I have asked about an "inn" or something that looks or sounds more cozy than an hotel, but hotels are recommended as the best bet. The AA book lists 3 in
Leicester that are located on our side of town; one has garage accommodations and is **, another is *** and good for buses into town and out here (I will look into garage accommodations), the other is ** and I'll have to drive by to look see. I'll also ask Miss Briggs, as she would probably be the most likely to know where you would be most comfortable.
Roger and I have accepted an invitation to a fabulous ball that is going to put us in the poorhouse - (7-10-0) but has been promised to be the highlight of the season as it will be the Annual Ball of the equivalent of our Armed Forces Reserves. Everyone will show up in FULL dress. December 17th is the date, and it's an all night affair. Ugh to the hours, but I wouldn't miss it for the world. We'll have Saturday to rest up for Church on Sunday! You come along anytime. If you arrive here on the 17th, the children will be here keeping the fires going. On the 18th Roger will be keeping the fires going, and some time we have to build new fires because the old fires go out! Our autumnal weather has suddenly vanished and the first nip of November is here. Frost is on the ground every morning. Thank God for our electric blankets because all beds are toasty throughout when plunging in, which is sheer heaven!
Love,
Mary
* * * * *
November 8, l965
Dearest Mom and Dad,
What fortunate fellows, we!!! Two Guy Fawkes celebrations instead of just one!!
The original plan of going down to Easton Mauditt in Northants to the home of Peter's parents was scratched because of the possibility of having a fog problem and having to cancel everything. Instead Bob Pritchard and Peter put their heads together and planned a gorgeous bonfire in a fabulous spot right behind Bob that actually belongs to the University but has been neglected as the University awaits the funds to start building there. At one time it must have been a beautiful and very formal garden.
They collected the damnedest pile of junk and built this pile which must have been 10' or more in height, made a "Guy" and perched him on top, and went to the store and bought all sorts of lovely fireworks. We assembled at sundown, the fire was lit and was absolutely gorgeous. The fireworks were set off by the Dads while Barbara cooked some sausage on a smaller fire nearby. We had sausages in a roll, some stuff-baked potatoes (which I had contributed and which were really good, if I do say so myself!), toffeed apples for the children (we had some, too; Barbara did a magnificent job with them!), coffee, and Parkins (a sort of oatmeal and ginger and molasses cake which isn't so great) - all as we dodged fireworks!
These British are the most casual people when it comes to setting off fireworks. As everyone mills around eating goodies and chatting, the men and boys go where there's no one at the moment and light one of the fool things. And not all fireworks shoot off in the direction intended, either! Well, it's downright amazing that more people don't get hurt. Fortunately, no one did, and once they were all shot and there were no more, we sang and danced around the bonfire and had a lovely time. Again, the weather was most kind, as the evening was chilly but clear.
A professor and Mrs. Tibbell live in the house whose gate we had to use in order to reach this choice spot; she appeared early in the proceedings and stayed until the very end. It seems that she's an authoress of children's books and a poetess as well, a most charming person. We had a grand time chatting with her.
Saturday night was another Guy Fawkes Party. Peter had to work that night, so he wasn't with us, but Barbara and Mark went along. The evening was chillier but the sky as clear as clear could be. There were many more people at this party, including tons of children who all wanted to light fireworks!!!
Once again we stood around dodging flying missiles! Julie just plain didn't like it one iota. Ann was lukewarm and stuck to her Dad's side as she waved her sparkler aimlessly around. Scott just stood in one spot and tried not to get hit! He had it all figured out: there was one spot a certain distance from the sight of ignition which was the safest spot of all, and there he stayed! I spent the better part of the evening ducking behind Roger!
When all the fireworks were spent, we went inside and were served a buffet supper - same menu as the night before except for the addition of hot soup which had been served outside during the fireworks. We had met many of these people earlier in our stay at the party on
Knighton Drive which ended with Bob Pritchard standing on his head while whistling "God Save the Queen." They're good company.
Sheila Morris invited me to luncheon last Thursday. It was thoroughly delightful. Her mother is here from
South Africa for a year, and some Aunt and Uncle stopped in to see her, so I met all these nice people in addition to having a nice chat with Sheila. She gave me some old music to have on the piano for various levels of accomplishment, also some recorder music.
The girls and I are busy learning some new songs for Friday night. There is to be a "Campfire" at deMontfort Hall, THE local auditorium which holds 3,000 or so. It will be a joint venture of Boy Scouts and Girl Guides. They asked me if I would teach one song, so I am to have all these hundreds of people singing "Little Tom Tinker" (who sat on a clinker!) The girls and I will be on stage with 24 Guides, so we're busily learning the few songs the Guides will be singing. This used to be a Boy-Scout-only affair, but a couple years ago the Guides were invited. The Guider in charge is MOST pleased to have the
U.S. green uniform along with her Guides' blue. I think she feels it will make the Guides more impressive than ever! Jolly good!!
Much love to you both,
Mary
* * * * *
November 15, 1965
Dearest Mom and Dad,
The Campfire was a great success and a marvelous experience as well. The group of Guides we were with sang very well and made us feel completely at home and at ease. deMontfort Hall is huge. It has a large stage with bleachers right on the back of the stage which must seat at least 150 to 200 people, so that one is performing "in the round" almost. The Guides all sat in a group at one end; the rest were all Scouts and Cubs, mostly the latter. There were four leaders who acted as song-leaders/cheer-leaders/masters of ceremony - delightful fellows all and working with such teamwork as to leave the impression of complete unity in technique and purpose. Even Roger noted this from the audience. They must have enjoyed many years of Scouting and "Campfiring" together!
Why it was called a Campfire, I'll never know. We would call such an evening a "Rally" or some such. It started off with drums and bugles - fabulous! - and loud! It sounded like bagpipe music and was marched to with a slow and dignified step. These were followed by every Scout flag in Leicestershire and then the colors. These ceremonies are always very moving for me; I always am aware of what each flag stands for and what a wonderful thing it is, whether its Scouting or the Stars and Stripes or what-have-you. I was watching this impressive procession and feeling my Mary Walmsley feelings when the Union Jack was brought down the aisle, and suddenly something was missing. For me it was the wrong flag! It should have been the Stars and Stripes. I had never realized that our own flag meant anything to me!
There followed a presentation of awards and then the singing and skits. The evening was long, but the program was so well balanced that even the smallest Cubs were still enjoying themselves thoroughly when it ended after 10 p.m.!
Unfortunately, Scott never got there. He has one of those too-bad leaders who's completely disorganized and never gets anything accomplished. Why the boys are even interested, I'll never know. Here was this grand opportunity to be involved with the total program, to feel the enthusiasm and enjoy the results, and this guy just plain didn't take the younger Cubs of his pack because he didn't have enough hands. He informed nobody of this. so we all thought they were going. We even stopped in at the church en route and were informed that they were going. Grrrr. Oh, well.
Of course Friday was my birthday as well, but it was one of those incredibly hectic days because of the Scouts, so we had a present-opening at breakfast and then Roger treated me to dinner and dancing Saturday night at a very nice nightclub here in Leicester. I hadn't told anyone it was my birthday, especially the Gundry-Whites, so nobody knew and therefore couldn't do anything about it.
Roger and I had dreamt up a most successful surprise for Barbara's birthday a few weeks ago. Roger called Peter during the day to suggest Pub-crawling that evening. Needless to say, they agreed, not having the slightest notion that we knew it was her birthday. When we went over to pick them up, we hid a trail of presents on the stairway and in the hall, behind the clock and on the TV (when they weren't looking, of course), and then handed her a birthday card. Thinking that was all, she started to say, "Oh, how sweet..." etc., etc.; but then Mark spotted a verse on the back of the card. They puzzled over the meaning, finally figured it out, and made their way to the first present (an avocado pear all wrapped up beautifully. Barbara loves them but they were 4 bob at the time, so she hadn't had one in ages!) - and so on, until they were out in the garden with a "torch" probing in the darkness to the right of the lilac and behind the peonies for the anemones I had put in that afternoon. Great fun! They loved it! Barbara's mother, Mrs. Whitmore, lives with them and was feeling mighty proud that she had managed to keep the secret because she sometimes has a hard time keeping such excitements to herself!
So - back to my birthday celebration Saturday night. Off we went to Les Ambassadeurs thinking that no one knew. As we were finishing our hors d'oeuvres (snails for Roger - he was very disappointed - and turtle soup for me) the band leader took the mike and said, "I have a very important announcement: birthday wishes for Mary Walmsley from the Gundry-Whites" followed by his singing THE birthday song, followed by a Cha-cha, which I suspected (correctly) that she had requested and which we enjoyed tremendously. You can't get away with a thing around here! We returned to our table to enjoy our Chateaubriand and crepes suzettes and the evening of dancing to a really good 3-piece combo.
We woke up Sunday to our first hoarfrost. It was 28 degrees by midday, everything covered with the frost and fog rolling in. The weather man forecast "freezing fog," which we think sounds very British! We are learning to build bigger and hotter fires in the fire place and to take our clothes to bed with us for a few minutes before getting up so that dressing isn't quite so painful! There is nothing, no NOTHING colder than putting on an icy cold bra!!!
We'd love to know where you all were when the electricity went off last week. It must have been really something. A columnist from
New York, Alistair Cook, gave a very good account of it on the radio this morning. He said that one could be proud of the way the people reacted to the situation, that there was little panic and precious little looting and many heroic deeds done by the cops and teenagers in helping people out. Jolly good!
Barbara tells me that hotel reservations are dear over the holiday because many hotels take a holiday themselves! So I shall make bookings for you somewhere this week. It's hard to believe that in another four weeks your arrival will be imminent!
Much love,
Mary
November 16th
Dearest Mom and Dad,
No sooner had I sealed your letter yesterday than the doorbell rang. It rings so rarely that I was most curious to see who might be there. It was a parcel from
London. Now, what in the world might that be? Well, of course, it was your book with the tiny card inside in your own hand-writing. Now why do tears run down my cheeks at a time like that? I know - because I'm a Belknap-Edgar - that's why!!!!
It's neat, the book, that is. It has absolutely everything. I had just gotten myself fairly well acquainted with American varieties of flora before I came so that I can often spot general categories and families yet am not be sure because there ARE differences between what's here and what's there. And then, too, it includes the thousands I could never in this world know! Jolly good! Many, many thanks.
Today was spent bussing into town and spending money. Lovely! The cold spell is still with us. Today it's added wind to its character. The car is in the garage being serviced, so I joined the throng and went into town to queue along with everybody else in
Leicester for gloves, scarves, undies, etc. It was amusing to see the queues at the counters selling such items - and every other counter bare!
Our living room, dining room, and kitchen are comfortable with two sweaters. It's when you have to go upstairs to "spend a penny" that it hits you - ZAP!!!
Now the children are returning from school. They have gotten into the habit of having a cup of tea on their arrival; it really does hit the spot. Now they all enjoy it, which wasn't true at first.
I liked your rhyme on my birthday card. You should be employed by Hallmark.
Much love,
Mary
* * * * *
Dear Granny and Granddaddy,
It is very cold over here and it has snowed already! Before it snowed the ground was covered with very, very white frost called hoarfrost.
Grandymommy gave me a dollar and now I have 11 dollars!
Love,
Rich Ann
* * * * *
November 18, 1965
Dearest Mom and Dad,
I set out to find your lodgings only to find that most hotels, including ***, close down for 3 or 4 days over the Christmas holiday. It's shocking - shocking!
But I found one for you! It's the Heathfield Hotel,
236 London Road, AA**. It's not in the center of town, which is where the Grand and the
Bell are located, which wouldn't be half as nice and quiet as those out farther. They are reserving a room with twin beds on the ground floor at the end of the corridor on the backside overlooking the garden. The room does have central heat. I forgot to ask about the bath, but I doubt it would be private, but I don't think that will make any difference at all. We have an enormous tub and all the hot water you could want plus a toasty warm temperature, especially when both the space heater is on and the bathtub is full of steaming water. No problem. I'll tell you a secret: I don't think the Englishman takes a bath more than once a week in winder anyway, if that!
The Heathfield boasts that it is the only centrally heated hotel in
Leicester that still has open fires in the lounge in addition to the radiators. I can well believe it, too. There are 2 large lounges, one for smoking only. The dining room looks nice. I have no idea whether the food is any good.
They will hold your room for you no matter whether you want bed-and-breakfast or all meals there. This decision must be made when you sign in. If you will be eating either lunch or dinner there (daily), then she recommends the regular booking (I've forgotten what they call it) at 12 gns per week per person (1-16-0 per day) (3-12-0 per day for both for all meals - in case we join you), lunches 7/-; afternoon teas 2/6; dinners 9/6; coffees 6d. Otherwise bed-and-breakfast will be 2-15-0.
I don't know what to advise you on that. I should think that you'd be eating almost all your other meals with us, one way or another, and there are restaurants around. And Roger DID join this nice club which serves DELICIOUS food; howsomever, I shall talk this over with my good husband and shall issue further advice later on.
The Heathfield is also marked "U" - unlicensed - so we'll have to do our boozing here or bring a bottle there. I hope that's all right. There really wasn't much choice.
Jolly good!
Much love,
Mary
* * * * *
Stir Up Sunday
November 20, 1965
Dearest Mom and Dad,
I guess we can celebrate Thanksgiving after all! Scott complained of a sore throat last Thursday, was kept home from school, and Friday was covered with a rash! We notified a doctor recommended by the Gundry-Whites (of course), and he diagnosed "Scarletina"! So all three children will be home for the week. Roger and I are making lists of all the things we can think of to profitably make use of these days spent cozily together in one room next to the fire! Actually, I have every intention of sending the girls off Monday morning on a 3-mile hike down to the center of town to explore one of the historic sites as a requirement for the Local History Badge. I'll send them to one where there's guaranteed to be no one around! Then, if they chalk up a few more 3-milers, they will qualify for the Hikers Badge! I also have my eye on the Cooking Badge. What a lovely time to learn to make a white sauce, gravy, custard, bread, etc., etc.!
Free Penicillin has done wonders for Scott. He really had one uncomfortable day and now feels fine. One simply can't stay in bed, the rooms are so cold, so we all entertained him on the couch. He's agitating to learn to play bridge, so this may be the perfect time for that, too. Roger has announced that he must complete his textbook for Silver Burdett by Christmas and has absented himself quite completely. It's probably just as well because it'd be dreadful if he got sick; he's not a very patient patient.
In addition to all that, Ann left her glasses on the floor the other night, and Julia stepped on them first thing the next morning - so 5-15-0 will be spent on some new glasses (and frames) next week. There wasn't a chance of salvaging her old ones.
Nobody over here has dared say much about the
New York black-out. Here they turn the juice AND the gas off deliberately at peak hours on cold, cold days! Fortunately, we weren't included in the area involved, but we know people who were. There is quite a flap about it, as you can well imagine. The cry is that it's downright immoral to advertise and encourage the sale of gas and electric heating and cooking equipment when the companies can't supply the fuel. Our little coal fire may turn out to be a real blessing after all!
We went to order coal last week (having 2 or 3 days' worth left in the bin) and were informed that delivery of the best grade took 4 to 6 weeks! It seems that the local fuel companies have no stockpile locally but rather send the order directly to the mines and it is dug especially for us! How nice!! So we took grade 4, which they delivered a week later. Fortunately the weather was warmer and our one electric space heater was sufficient. How one judges when to order coal is beyond me!
Roger and I slipped down to the Leicester Cathedral this morning. The sermon was unbelievable - something out of the last century - all about how awful materialism is and how it's the poor and lowly who know salvation so make yourself miserable and you'll have a chance! Very British, I must say! There were precious few people there, a not-bad choir, but oh, my! You don't even need a ticket for their Christmas Eve Carol Service (we thought we'd have backup plan in case of fog!) - a confession of their poor attendance, if ever I heard one. Even the local parish churches queue for tickets!
Much love,
Mary
P.S. We read that Princess Margaret went to Girl Scout Headquarters. Were you her hostess? I'm MOST anxious to know - can't wait to hear details when we see you.
With regard to things to bring along - there are some Scout supplies I'd love to have: a size 36 Cadette shirt for Julie (I'm almost positive this one is 34 and it's definitely snug. We can find no size marked on it), a Leader's Manual for me, any songbook other than The Ditty Bag, Chansons de Notre Chalet, and The Girl Scout Pocket Songbook, a book of Girl Scout games to play during troop meetings, and Ann and I are shy World Trefoil pins. That's all I can think of today.
The girls and I gave a Juliette Low program last Friday evening, which was very successful. We invented a game and everything! I'd love to do a World Association night sometime. I know so little about it, so any information on that would be welcome, too.
And a New Yorker for the Gundry-Whites! They used to get it and LOVED it, but haven't been able to get it for ages.
And your own pillows, if you have room. It's downright incredible what passes for same here!
Shopping here sounds smart -
Can't wait!
Much love,
Mary
Hi! Hope you have a grand thanksgiving.
Love,
Julia
Hi! Granny and Grandaddy, Hope to see you Real! Soon!
Love,
Ann
Hi there, and a merry christmas and happy thanks giving.
Love,
Scott
Thanksgiving 1965
(November 21)
Dearest Mom and Dad,
I send these humble snapshots along as a poor substitute for our being there. We shall miss everyone dearly as nobody over here pays any heed to Thanksgiving Day and the children will be in school and Roger at the lab. It's nigh impossible to stir up the proper feelings of the occasion under such circumstances - however, we'll be thinking of you, the wine and poetry, the gorgeous bird, and the lovely pies ---- and all the smiles.
Our love to all,
Mary
* * * * *
November 26th
Dearest Mom and Dad,
Our week of quarantine may be over any moment when Dr. Bostock comes. The girls have gone on their 3-mile daily constitutional, which has been a life-saver. They've seen many of
Leicester's historical sights and have done all their Christmas shopping in the open market place! Roger and I were down there one lovely sunny day (but COLD) and couldn't help but smile as we visualized Dad wandering around the market having the time of his life watching all that activity, the sights and sounds and smells, the young man behind one of the vegetable counters opening up a steaming baked potato to go with his cup of steaming hot coffee (unless I miss my guess) when he has a spare minute; the woman whose voice has turned brusque from years of yelling as she hawks her wares; the crowds that gather around a salesman who's being entertaining in his method of selling! How they stand the cold, I'll never know, but they are all there every market day and have been for 2,000 years!
It seems that the truant officer was at the Pritchard's house looking for us yesterday! I surely do wish he'd come here instead! I guess he reported to the headmistress that we'd moved, so she called here to ask why the girls weren't in school. Ann answered the phone and told her. She seemed satisfied and hung up. It's terribly curious: if a teacher is absent (for weeks even), they don't get a substitute so that the class's time is completely wasted, but let a child be out 3 days, and they want to know why. I must find out whether or not they do this in the grammar schools.
I went over to the Heathfield to confirm your reservations and had the nicest chat with a Miss Lee. I can't figure out who owns or runs the place, but they certainly do have nice people there. Miss Lee was in the
U.S.A. for 7 years as a nurse, I believe - in
California mostly. A most interesting gal.
She showed me your quarters. The decor isn't very inspired, but it'll be comfortable. There's a radiator AND space-heater in the room, radiators along the hallway (so there's no draft under the door) and in the 2 bathrooms, and 2 toilets on that corridor. If anything, you'll be flinging the windows open!! (I'm very pleased with myself for having found it! It was not the obvious choice, but exactly what we want!)
Rog is working on the car rental. Coming by train on Saturday sounds good. You must sit on the right-hand side and spot the house as you pass by. There just may be flags waving at you!! I'll send a train schedule along as soon as their phone is not busy.
Our Thanksgiving was very unfestive. It was a cold, wet day so that the girls couldn't walk, Rog worked late and came home pooped, and the roast beef wasn't as tender as I'd hoped! Next year we'll make up for it!! Mr. North was so anxious to reserve a turkey for our Christmas dinner that I couldn't say "no." People are already putting orders in; by late December it's too late, they say! The same with puddings and pork pies. Thank goodness for the Norths. They DO take good care of us!
Much love,
Mary
* * * * *
