4.12.1994

Dearest Rita and Lex,

The weeks go by too fast and Christmas preparations are in full swing. We have lit our Hannukah candles, too, and told the children anew the story of Maccabeean bravery and the miracle of the Temple oil.

Your photos arrived safely and have given me great pleasure. They are a constant reminder of the happy days we spent together. My batch to you should have arrived about the same time.

We are awaiting the arrival of Jayne’s baby any day now. She is still decorating her kitchen, standing on steps to hang wallpaper and makes it sound the most normal activity at this late stage. I think she wants to prove that we are fuddy-duddies and that she is the perfectly capable new woman or, maybe, this is a hang-over from a previous life (if there is such a thing) when she laboured in the fields until she gave birth, then carrying on as though nothing much had happened. Whilst we languish in bed at such times, Jayne is up and doing, even giving a dinner party (after the last one) two days after the happy event. Daniel takes it all as norm not knowing any different!

We have had an unusually warm November. I planted a variety of bulbs in the containers on my terrace, only to find the squirrels had made a meal of most of them. The boys used to have a shotgun handy! I have now planted a new lot and hope, this time, I have outwitted the little vermin.

My blood pressure is again very unstable and I have been put on different medication. I was also exercised and monitored on the treadmill and felt relieved when the technician told me I had performed better than some people half my age.

I liked the look of your group on the beach. I may yet turn up and join you!

Thanks also for the pictures of (*unintelligible –Lilo?) etc. in the restaurant and of Martha in her library. She looks remarkably fit.

I now want to wish you much fun over Xmas together with your lovely family. Also a happy 1995.

Much love

Lore.