A Diary of Innocence: Sisters
Just now the catkins or lamb tails are blowing and the stately palms swaying in the wind,'' wrote 13-year-old Mary Hutchinson. Her delight in nature and amiable disposition make Mary's 1927 diary a delight to read.
Saturday, March 12th. Arose 7 a.m. I arose rather early which I do sometimes. It rained about 8 a.m., but it faired up and Alice and I went to Thirsk. It turned out a lovely morning. Mr. Bendelow brought the groceries. We cannot take Rapp out now because of the lambs. I went to see the dentist. In the afternoon I had a bath. I have written these two poems. Retired 9 p.m.
Nellie
Your cheeks are like a blushing rose,
Your lips like one of deeper hue,
Which by the fairer grows
On which your blue eyes sparkle like the dew.
Like chrysanthemums red and gold
Is your hair to behold.
Alice My La La
Your hair is common very
Your cheeks are rather pale.
Your lips aren’t like a cherry,
But describe your eyes I fail.
They are windows in your face
Which the world looks through
And perceives the wondrous grace
Of your soul exposed to view.
Sunday, March 13th. Arose 9.30 a.m. On Sundays I always get up later than on weekdays. I did not go out in the morning, for it was rather dismal outside. Mother and Alice and I chatted. After dinner I coaxed Alice out for a walk. We went as far as Mr. Kettlewell’s drive end. We enjoyed our walk very much, although it was not a very bright afternoon. We all sat over our cosy room fire at night except Alice and Nellie, who went to Chapel. Today I have been thinking of this verse. Retired 9 p.m.
Were I so tall to reach the pole
And grasp the ocean with a span,
I’d still be measured by my soul.
The mind is measurer of man. - Isaac Watts
Monday, March 14th. Arose 9.15 a.m. It is a nice morning. Alice went to see Dr. Mitchell. I went to meet her and got right into Topcliffe. I have never walked so far before. I did enjoy it. The birds were singing gaily. There were many people going to market. It is very interesting to watch them. Alice walked back with me. Dr. Mitchell will not pass me for Canada. I do not know whether to be glad or sorry. At night we had a fire in the room. It was very cosy. I sewed at my handkerchief. I got quite a lot done. We do have nice evenings together when we sit over the room fire. Alice knitted. Nellie went for a music lesson. Retired 9 p.m.
Tuesday, March 15th. Arose 8.15 a.m. It is a lovely morning. Mother is washing. It does seem a shame to be inside on such a day. Alice and I went for a walk to the top of Nelson Lane. It is a lovely lane. It has big shady hedges on each side. Beside one hedge there is a deep place where a small stream, long since dried up, used to be. In this hollow ferns and primroses come in the spring. The birds find a quiet retreat here from the roadway, and many birds nest in the tall hedges. Just now the catkins or lamb tails are blowing and the stately palms swaying in the wind. I do think the silver palms are beautiful. I cannot liken them to anything. They are just like themselves. Alice and I gathered some catkins and palms. I have made Nellie a bookmark-blotter. I went for a walk after tea and picked the first white violets. They were sweet. Retired 9 p.m.
