Edition Bobbett1. Texts by Elizabeth F. Bobbett: 1.1.1. Correspondence, Private letters

1971 Elizabeth Bobbett: Letter to May Beveridge, 07.04.1971

Source: Archives of Rural History (ARH), Elizabeth McLoughlin Papers

Dearest May. I was delighted to get your card to-day written after you came home from hospital. Thank God your operations were not as serious as we had anticipated. As a rule when they get you on the table they cut away much more than one had expected. Please God you will feel very much stronger for the rest of your life. You gave me a wonderful description of Stephen’s trip, he certainly saw much of the world in a few weeks. As you say the impression will be more lasting than one could get from reading travel books.

(Start Here) I started on the wrong side of the paper so hope you can follow it. Stephen will appreciate Canadian life and food, after his experiences on trip. Glad you have an extra week to get a rest before you return to the office. I am very much better but still feel a bit shaky and giddy. However I am taking things very easy, I don’t drive the car except to the post box. Eugene Nolan drives me to Wicklow, and I don’t go to Farmers’ meeting yet. I only missed four of their meetings in over 20 years. So no wonder they are reluctant to let me give up the secretaryship.

We went to a wedding in Dublin 1st April Lylie Nolan the youngest daughter, the reception was in Spa Hotel Lucan. Eugene drove to Bray and I took over to drive through the city and out to Lucan. Her sister Mrs Hannon from Galway was bridesmaid and she came back with us for a week, she leaves to-morrow.

I have got back the use in my right hand and am agreeably surprised to find I have made so few mistakes in my typing to-day. I think my sight has a lot to do with it. I was hitting a P when I should hit an O and an 8 instead of a U.

I am glad your snow is going away, it is lovely here past few days and I am enjoying typing in the sun-parlour. Parkie was down to see me three weeks ago, and I hope to feel fit enough to drive to Donabate at end of the month and stay a couple of days with them. Kitty has been suffering a lot with pain in her knee and is getting some treatment at present.

Hugh Jennie and Diana were here two weeks ago, all well.

I am glad I have retired from Farming, prices for livestock have gone so high I would be “bewildered” and meat has gone up terrible in past two weeks. I heard to-day they were charging 12/- a lb for beef steak, and 9/- and 10/- a lb for chops. Of course cattle to kill are making high prices round £85 to £110 a beast, and up to £13 for a Spring Lamb.

We have our parish Retreat this week but I only go to the morning Mass. It was not a bit like Lent or Easter, no feast except Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. Glad you hear frequently from Jim and B. When I go to Donabate next time I must make a big effort to go to see Jim and Gerrard.

Things seem a little bit quieter up north but one never knows what moment a big bust up could happen. We must only keep on praying for a peaceful settlement.

We have TV now but I don’t care for it except to watch Racing. The Grand National was a wonderful race won by half a length. The Irish horse was second. There were a lot of falls. I have no news to interest you. Hope Rosemary is keeping well. Is Adrian still at School or working?

Fondest love to you all from Lillie.