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My darling,
It was lovely to hear your voice especially as I had decided I must not ring you up. I know how you feel about not letting yourself be distracted from the job in hand and I know you do not. It makes me feel very proud of you and rather ashamed of myself. I sometimes think that my trouble is being so pampered by you that I become debilitated by luxuriating in my advantages. But I wouldn't have it any different. And I know it's because of what you do and are that I am a bit better than I would otherwise be.
I felt very proud of our little family today. The Days came about 3 o'clock. Parthenope had made a very good lemon cake. The children just quietly disappeared when I suggested tea and produced two huge plates of assorted sandwiches. (“Take two”, said Nicola as she handed them round!). They all joined in the conversation in a lively and not at all obtrusive way. It was very successful and enjoyable. We had it in the garden by the mermaid roses.
It was a superb morning again. We went and bathed at ‘our’ spot. It really was glorious although the wind has been sharp as it always is. Somehow it doesn't seem to spoil but rather to enhance the swim …
I really think the lack of television has been a great advantage. There is no obstruction to realizing the pleasure of home and an early bed when you don't want to play or read any more, and I think it's worth everything else put together for them to learn that life at home can be fun.
A house martin got into our room and couldn't get out. I caught it and showed the children. It was such a pretty creature and hardly seemed frightened. After being admired I tossed him into the air to sail off. It makes one want to know how he got on …