The Irish Bomfords

A letter from Adela Eteson to Lorna Bomford, 6 November 1949

Transcript:

ADELA C. ETESON

331 Main Street >> Santa Cruz, California

Nov. 6. 49

My Dear Lorna

I sent you last week, Nov 3rd, dear Philip's [Philip Eteson, 26.5.6] medal. I would like his family to have it, & I am sure he would too, & I would like to think that eventually it will go to Guy or his boy. I think Philip prized it more than any thing he had. I had to make two visits to the post office. I had fastened it up as a letter, but was told it could not go without a declaration of contents inside, or the government would confiscate it. So I brought it back & filled up the form to the best of my ability, & took it back & showed it to them. They said that was O.K. I thought I would tie it with string as it was liable to be opened. They said it must be stuck up like a letter, so the young man at the post office provided me with adhesive tape & I stuck it up. Then he tied it and put the label outside "that it could be inspected". They would not register it because they said it was too small. I sincerely hope that it arrives safely, & you won't have any trouble at your end. I like to get these things done now while I am able to attend to them myself. Dear Philip always wore the clasp when he had on nice clothes, usually he was in working clothes, & how did hate to "doll-up".

This notepaper was a present. I can't say I care for it much, but must not look a gift horse in the mouth.

I am so sorry you still suffer with arthritis. I can sympathise with anyone who has pain as I have had a good deal in my time. I am troubled in my right knee, but not when I sit still, or lie down, but getting up is hard, & stairs and hills very trying & putting on my shoes & stockings is awful but I feel so thankful I can get around, & am able to look after myself, & do my own work & have all my faculties & senses. I lead a very quiet life as my blood pressure is high & no strain or excitement is good & I have to be very careful in my diet - not fats or greases as I had gall-bladder trouble last year - but by attending to these various things I have very fair health & was 80 my last birthday.

I wonder if you have your cottage all "fixed up" now. It seems to be such a job to get things done in England. This "austerity" must be awful. I am glad I can remember England when there was plenty of everything & she was "Mistress of the Seas" & there was a great British Empire. It makes me sad to think of her taking second place now. It is nice that Nora can run down & see you often. I suppose Guy has started on his position at Oxford. I do hope they are all well.

Cecile Tattersill has bought a little house for herself in Southsea. She hoped for P.G's. but only has been able to get one young fellow who is out working all day, so she does not make much. But those jobs she had, must have been very trying.

We continue to have our beautiful climate, the last winter was very cold for here & the frost killed a lot of plants. I hear you had a lovely summer. My cousin Maude Cripps who lives in Cornwell writes me pretty regularly but I seldom hear from my sister-in-law Ailseus Branden in Horsham. Her daughter Joan is married. She has 2 babies. I hear from her

I have nice tenants in my front houses & kind friends.

My love to you all

Yrs affly

Adela C. Eteson