The Diary of Flora Martin

Today Roddy was better – today we got up at 9:30 – cleaned up the place. Got lunch and Ted and I, Rod and Neta went to the show to see Bonnie Prince Charlie. It was very good – we loved it.

After we called in to Louis' store and looked at things and talked to Louis. Then we window shopped – I got this diary.

Today Ted and I changed the rooms around – put Roddy in the front room. I think he will sleep better there.

Louis and Peter came over and we had a nice time together. Roddy got a medal for 13 Sundays in a row - Juanita got one last Sunday. They are very good children – I am proud of them. God has been very good to me.

Roddy was doing his homework and crying at the same time so I phoned the doctor again as I could see he was wore out so he came, a new doctor, as Dr. Wynne don't come out at night. And Ted and I liked the new doctor very much – he was so understanding.

He sat on the side and talked to Roddy like a father. He was so kind – he explained all Roddy's worries to him – he talked to him for a long time. After he told Ted and I that he had a scar and could come out of it all right as all children have something in their life – some upset.

He said that Roddy was just a normal boy – not to worry too much about him.

Well today is my birthday – I am 49.

I got up at 7:30 – got my two off to school. Got my washing out. Made lunch – done the dishes – dressed myself and Neta went for her dancing lesson. Done some shopping – got home at 4:45 – made supper – cleaned up after. Put Neta to bed.

Brought in the blankets off the line – hung them in the kitchen to air.

After, Louis, Eleanor, and the 3 boys came – we had a good time talking and listening to the record player - had lunch.

It is 7 months since I wrote in this book but a great many things happened. First of all we all had the flu – the bad kind that all Toronto was having. I was sick, and while I was sick Jean and the 2 boys were. Jean was very bad – she was in bed for a week.

Eleanor had her appendix out and was very sick and I couldn't help. Her mother looked after them for a week – after that I took Peter for lunch every day for a week.

Then Ted and I talked a lot about selling the house as it needs so much done to it. It would take about $2,000 to fix it up right so we made up our mind and sold it, and got a real good home on Ronan. Not as good a garden - I miss the garden a lot. But we are happy here.

Well today was big day – we got up at 9. Ted got the day off as the Princess and Duke were in Toronto.

At 1:00 p.m., we went to Sunnybrook entrance and stayed 2 hours till the Princess came. We saw her 2 times - going in and coming out. Ted Chirnside took pictures of her – they turned out good. There was so big a crowd that we were in a jam for an hour.

Well today is Roddy's birthday – he is 12.

He had a very good party – Jean brought her 2 boys and Peter came. Roddy got some nice things – a carrier for his bike from his dad, and a bell for his bike from me. Juanita got him a dinky toy truck. Glen got him a taxi – Robert bought him a truck – Peter a mitt for ball – his boyfriend gave him a jeep.

We had lots to eat and ice cream, candy and a big cake – a birthday one. There was lots left – Peter took some home for his brothers.

Today is Hallowe'en and payday. Got a pumpkin and cookies, candies, lots of good things to eat.

I done the dishes – dressed Juanita and Roddy up as women yet they looked good. Roddy really looked like a woman – he has such fine features. Neta got 1st prize at school for the best costume – she wore her Barbara Ann Scott dress.

After they went out and had a wonderful time – they got a 6 quart basket full to the top of good things. Money as well – they came in at 9:30 – everybody thought Roddy was a girl.

Dear Diary: it is 3 years since I wrote in this book, but I have had a very full life since we came to this house – we have all been happy.

Louis still has the 3 boys but now has a sweet little girl – they are getting along fine.

Now Rod has turned into a grand boy – he is into so many things and is in 2nd form at Lawrence Park School and is doing well. He is 14 and 5 feet-8, and 145 lbs but is slim as can be – he still eats me out of house and home. He is patrol leader in the Boy Scouts and is now at a boys training camp at Ipperwash. We miss him as he is good company.

Juanita is a lovely little girl – she is 9 now and is in 4th grade at school. She is a lovely dancer – now she has 5 years training.

Dear Diary: today was a big day.

Juanita danced – everyone said she did good – she is a lovely dancer. Jean, Sandy, Louis, Eleanor, Bill, Jenny, some friends of Bill's and Grandma, Neta and Ted and I. We had lots of fun – got to bed at 1:30 after we seen the wrestling on TV.

Got a telegram from Roddy's camp – Rod is coming home. Ted is gone to meet him now and he got home at 4:45 - Gee, we were glad to see him. He was homesick – he didn't like army life, but had a lot of fun swimming, but is glad to be home.

He looks real brown and in the best of health. He is going to caddy every day now and get his books and money for the EX. We are all going to the beach for a week on the 7 of Aug.

Well it is a long time since I put anything in this book, but things are just wonderful with us.

Well Rod is just fine – 5 foot 11½ - 160 lbs and this is his last year in school – just think, he will be through school and working – he is a fine boy – everyone likes him.

Juanita is a fine girl and will be out of public school this year. She is a good swimmer and takes an interest in sports. She still sings in the school – she is a big girl.