My granddad died in 1983. For the previous 20 years, he kept a diary, recording his day as a farm worker and then through his retirement. We are lucky enough to have his notebooks, all the entries in block capitals, often in pencil. He always tells us about the weather, sometimes about what is going well at the allotment. We get updates of how Liverpool are doing and the occasional political thought. He suffered from rheumatoid arthritis, was always in pain, but you would never know from these entries. My mum once described him as a contented man. Who knows, really, but certainly, there is something soothing about these entries. So I thought I would share them with you. We have a few years to cover so buckle up.
A frost at first but nice and sunny later. Dot and Jane home today. Washed Bill Barnes’ car. Did outside Ts. Leg fairly good today. Lpool beat Leicester 1 none last night. Ron got (drawing of a football).*
(*FA Cup 6th round replay. I have conferred with my dad, who has no memory) of getting the football after that match, which seems unlikely. So, no idea what that means.)
My Granddad is Keeping Busy 