03 Feb 1943, W J Carrie's wartime diary

Naturally I am thinking of Joy's birthday tomorrow.  My "programme of thinks" is as follows: - I'm always  awake and up by 7 or a little past - that is 10pm the night before with you and I think of you sitting by the fireside or getting off to bed.  Then I usually try for 40 winks after our midday meal - I always rest a little but rarely fall off - so I think of you then - that is 12.30 - 1.30 or so - the middle of the night with you. Then I start thinking again at 4 (7am with you) when you will be getting up I expect and I can continue thinking of you till I go to bed.  I usually turn in at 10, read a little and lights out at 11 - that is 1-2 with you so I think of you at tiffin.  Of course my thoughts are tinged with memories of McLaren Road - I wish I knew the layout of 9 Nile Grove and could really picture you properly.

(my last sheet of this paper) - I've never had a pad for so long in all my life!

Mrs Cock (Teeny) said to me today when I happened to meet her that I was looking very well but very thin.  I am very well but there is not an ounce of fat on me now - I weighed myself again a few days ago and with winter clothes on I was 138lbs - a little under what I should be. I remember in the '20s when I used to weigh myself in the Club I fluctuated between 140 and 146 - then of course after 1929 and my illness I put on fat.  I never played tennis much after that.

The Japs claim another naval victory in the Solomons - we haven't heard any other story.  I suppose we must have lost some ships but I hope the Yanks weren't caught napping again.  

I'm very busy these days with all sorts of Committees and Discussion Groups - planning.  It's good mental exercise if nothing more.           So Cheero again Darling.    Billie.