Edition Bobbett1. Texts by Elizabeth F. Bobbett: 1.1.1. Correspondence, Private letters
1968 Elizabeth Bobbett: Letter to May Beveridge, 05.11.1968
Source: Archives of Rural History (ARH), Elizabeth McLoughlin Papers
My dear May. I have left you a long time without a reply to your long letter of 19th Sept in which you enclosed me some lovely coloured photos and one taken at Hunter’s Hotel when Jim was here. I did not recognise the coloured one of my house taken over the wall, till I recognised myself in my blue dress. Yes the one taken of Jim and me with our backs to my wild rose garden, came out very well. I am not good at the gardening, Kay put me to shame at it. I only slipped my geraniums to-day and brought some of them in to the sun-parlour from the frost. We had some very wet days lately and Friday last a very bad thunder storm, lightening, and heavy rain, all the telephones round here were put out of action and those depending on electricity for their Milking Machines were without it. Some were even without light, but I had no damage done thank God, and as I kept my Calor Gas light I had plenty of light. I have not a phone. I am glad to tell you that for the past three weeks there is a great improvement in the pains in my eye and head from the remains of the Shingles I had last April. I have only taken three tablets in past three weeks. I was taking six or more a day.
I see by your letter that after Jim and Jose left me they went to Bunclody to look for your Mother’s grave but could not find it. They left me with the intention of going to Ennis so my directions for there must have put them a long way off their track, or perhaps on their way they saw a sign post with Bunclody on it so changed their plans.
I am sorry to see you are suffering from your back and neck, and hope both are improved. Perhaps it is a “slipped disc” you are suffering from. Doctors often miss up on that, and want people to have an operation, whereas it can be cured by an osteopath with manipulating. I don’t know if I have spelled osteopath correctly so excuse. I have no dictionary handy.
How are the French lessons getting on? And the Bowling? It will help to keep you both fit. I hope Rosemary got in to the Teacher’s College and is doing well. You will soon be thinking of them all getting home for Christmas holidays. I do hope you will get over here for a holiday next year. It would do you good to meet your relations again. I have not met any of them since shortly after Kay died, but had letters from Eileen at the anniversary time. Have not seen Jeane for several months they were abroad during the summer twice I think.
I was quite busy with Paying Guests from 15th June till early Oct. except for August I only had about ten days booked, but I was glad to get an odd week free, to get settled up again. It is hard work when I have to do all the cooking. I can only get a girl to come in to do the wash up after lunch and a bit of laundry.
Well I had a wonderful 70th birthday on 4th Oct at Parkie’s place in Donabate. Brother Willie came over also from London so the three of us were so happy together. I stayed till 7th October with them.
I got a lot of nice birthday cards from friends and relations. The relations all enclosed a £1 note and the brothers gave me a few £ notes each, as they say it is the best present to give I can get what I want. One old friend from England sent me £5 so I got a new tyre for the car with it. I got a wonderful surprise when I arrived at Donabate, there was a beautiful big bouquet of flowers for me and lovely card from the East Wicklow Branch of the Leinster Milk Producer’s Association of which I am their County Secretary for many years past. I was thrilled at such a nice gesture, particularly as it showed Parkie and Willie that the farmers do appreciate all the work I do for them.
I have to attend a big Dinner Party in Bray on 27th November and propose the Toast To Ireland for the National Farmers’ Association dinner. I am County Wicklow President NFA, their first dinner party was last year and was such a success they are having another this month.