11th December, 1992

Dearest Rita and Lex,

Your letter was most welcome, though the constraints imposed by an ear abscess which put you out of circulation, cannot have been pleasant. Congratulations on adding another pearl to your joint string of grandchildren. You are doing well, aren’t you, and marvellous it is to be able to give time and fun to your near and dear ones. I gather your travel plans are in no way slackening and you keep your calendar full of engagements. Over here, life is rapidly changing – and not for the better. Cuts in Government funding, growing unemployment and a general feeling of uncertainty, cast their nasty shadow over everything. There is a lack of vision and strong leadership and I think we must be a thorn in the body of the European community. On top of everything, the IRA are having their annual pre Christmas bombings, and with so many alerts, trains continually are held up or cancelled and the roads become more and more congested. Add to this cold and rain and grey skies, and you get the picture.

I asked Jonathan why he is coming back here at all, since he leads such a good life in the States, but his 3 years are coming to an end in February and he has no choice. In fact, he is leaving the Daily Telegraph and has signed on as an Editor on the Guardian. He was here with Jaki and Joseph in November and it was fun having them in the house and having all the family over for Joseph’s first birthday.

We, too, had a miscarriage in the family but Jayne became pregnant again soon after, and is expecting her third in February. The last baby in the family, Eden by name, still left little Hannah as the only girl.

Your little tribe seems to be flourishing. Talented, too, and enterprising. I can’t possibly compete with your wide range of travel. Maybe, I told you already that I was in Spain in Madrid and Toledo for the anniversary of 500 years since the expulsion of the Jews. It was an unforgettable experience. I also went to Israel and saw the Negev in miraculous flower after unusually heavy rains. For the last eight weeks, I have been involved with workmen and superstructure repairs on my house, needed after subsidence. We have had too many dry summers and our London clay shrinks and causes damage. Fortunately, I am insured, though premiums are rising dramatically with so many claims being submitted.

I speak to Hazel from time to time and visited her in Scotland where she lives close to her daughter. She remembers you well. Sadly, she is becoming senile and it was far from easy staying with her. She got me up at the crack of dawn wondering what I was doing in bed, and I had to eat breakfast when my stomach was still asleep!

I have finished translating the Duino Elegies by the German poet Rilke. I should have known better than tackling (unknown to me) his greatest work. But miracles will happen and I have just had my manuscript back from the States, where it was seen by an eminent Professor, who wrote a marvellous introduction, and told me I had produced a work of distinction. So you see, I am not altogether useless and am willing to embark on new ventures.

I wish you and yours a wonderful New Year and a joyful Christmas,
Much love,

Lore.