Dear Mrs Smyth     March 21st, 1966


Well I really don’t know how to start letters or what to say first,
then when I’ve finished the letter I always think of something I’ve missed.

When I first met Henry I was extremely shy but I lost it for he was so carefree.
I’ve become quite shy again for we do not see very many people

I don’t go out among others mainly because I can’t and really don’t feel like it
for each young couple I see together brings back heart-breaking memories.

The weather has been very sultry and hot.
Tonight we had another big thunderstorm and this time the electric was cut off temporarily.

The family is well, but Mum is very worn out— the apple season is too much for her.
She had her 50th birthday in February and apples are too hard work for her.

I can drive a car very well but as yet haven’t been to get my license.
I never seem to have time to lately and Dad is always busy—Dad has a nice big car but not new.

No, Henry did not have a car while he was in Tasmania.
We didn’t find it necessary for everything was quite close, and cars are expensive items.

About a fortnight ago, I won £5 in a lottery sweep
but I lost the ticket somewhere and was unable to collect the money.

I’m going to buy another ticket —I’m very unlucky
where competitions and prizes are to be won though.

I still haven’t heard from uncle Johnny in Mount Isa.
What does his wife do? What does uncle Johnny do at the mine?

I often sit and think about everything that has happened
and I wonder why these things happen.

I look at other young couples or newly-weds
and often wonder how things will turn out for them.

Tasmanians have something like 10 difference religions
and all the ministers seem to be striving for church unity.

There are some many beautiful churches
built and still being built.

Easter is very close and already the Easter daises
are blooming and some have even died off.

We have a winter and spring garden
but at present there isn’t much at all in our garden.

Since I have had the baby my teeth are beginning to go,
I will have to have them done before I’m ready to go away.

I always had beautiful teeth
but evidently the baby took all the calcium from the blood.

I’m thinking of letting my hair grow—
I adore long hair and you can do it so many different ways.

What does Elizabeth learn at school besides her basic subjects?
I did four years of French and three years of German.

I also did art and became quite clever at it —
I won several prizes and still do a little bit of sketching.

Catherine is a very good baby on the whole
and she really isn’t much trouble at all.

She still hasn’t got those two teeth yet —
they’re still just under the skin and my word they worry her at times.

I wished they’d hurry up and come through
but I guess I’m expecting the impossible again.

She pulls everything she can get especially from a table,
she squeals for a book if you have one

Well, I’m much better than I’ve been,
I get very depressed and upset at times.

I’ve fought off the flu and the cold —
they’re miserable things to have especially at the change of seasons.

I still get so very lonely and seem to feel
worse when the weather is wet and miserable.

Well I’ve told you all the news for now.
Catherine is trying to get my biro, so I’d better go.


Part 3