page 171 — May 1942

enthusiasm. Then, if he tries to stop me going—well! I shall disobey Mommy’s advice—to side step— and oppose it as she advised John and Martin. … zsd zsp zmb

Friday 15^th

… In MT I had to greatly modify my plan of the electric shutter release, as it was too tiddly and complicated. It now consists of 10 pieces, with no joins. … zcf zph

Sunday 17^th

… On the end of the headland we watched the sea and a seal for about an hour—the seal had white marks down its neck. We tried singing to it, but observed no effect—I think it needs a woman’s voice or a wind or string instrument. I love watching the sea, but it’s better to do so in utter solitude—time and life and death go, and nothing is left but water on rock and sand and spray. zwl zol zem zds

Tuesday 19^th

… Letter from Mommy … told me about a meeting of Daddy’s—[with] representatives from factories—Daddy spoke and was received enthusiastically [I presume about a State medical service]. … zfl zmw zhp

Thursday 21^st

… JTC Church Parade next Sunday Morning—(Our Glorious Empire day). When it’s a socialist union and we don’t go to church I won’t mind. The day is drawing near when it will be—and I’m glad I’m here to be able to help the new civilisation in. [Empire Day (Queen Victoria’s birthday) had been an offical celebration in Britain since the First World War.] zcl zpn zbe

… reading ‘The Grapes of Wrath’. zbn

Saturday 23^rd

There was to have been an  expedition [Natural History Society], but rain cancelled it. At breakfast Max said I was selfish to go so often—we pointed out that anyone who wanted to could go, and then he said he’s zag ztc zsd