Aug 19th/14
My dear Mother
We were glad to have news of you this morning and glad you had a comfortable journey after the rush at Fishguard. It was too bad that we had no time to say anything at the station, though I am glad we did just see you before the train went. By our calculations, it is almost 9 miles from Parrog to the harbour station; nobody in these parts seems to know times or distances, one has to find out for oneself. Betty went straight back in the motor to The Mount, we three got tea in Fishguard, bought some fish for supper, also a pair of socks and two handkerchiefs which I thought I would send to George. We had a lovely ride back, the harbour was looking so pretty. We feel quite a small party now, and the bathing party has very much dwindled. Poor Beryl has chickenpox and yesterday Elmer fell off his bicycle and cut his knee rather deeply. Millicent got the doctor to come and see it and he will have to rest it for a few days. Millicent is busy I expect looking after things at home, so Olwen and Dorothy and Nellie are the only ones left for bathing. Yesterday we took tea to Cwmyreglwys, left the baskets at the cottage there and walked on to Dinas Head, an easy half hour’s walk, and shady nearly all the walk. There is a splendid view from the head, we sat there for some time, then went back to Cwmyreglwys, picking blackberries on the way, and had tea on the rocks. It was a very nice expedition – we were sorry Ethel didn’t do it. Today we are having rather a slack day. Tomorrow Vera Jones has asked Betty to ride over with one of us to tea. I think Jack and the other one are going to be noble and call on Mrs Phillips to thank her for the apples she sent. We talk of having our picnic on Tuesday. Mr & Mrs Williams are not coming back till Friday, they think, and we hope Beryl may be well enough to come by then. I think we shall probably come home on Friday the 28th. Jack will have to go up on Sunday evening the 30th for work next day. Olwen said Elmer was much smitten with Ethel, he told one of them that if they hadn’t all been there he would have kissed her goodbye!
We have been much interested in the account of the Expeditionary Force, but even now we can’t know where it is going. I wonder whether Arthur is going to Brussels. Kathleen heard from Mary and is writing to her now, poor girl, it is a very hard bit of life she has to face just now. I keep thinking of our two boys. I wrote to George and sent him the socks, etc, also Vaseline and boracic powder. I hope they will reach him. If he doesn’t need them some one else may. I do hope we shall get news soon of where he is and Arthur too. Meanwhile the general news sounds hopeful. I am so glad to hear the Vicarage are ready to work with others. Fancy the Vicar calling twice within 24 hours! I hope Cyril and Mela will have at any rate a few days together and you will like having them. Tell Det I shall like to have several telling items of interest. I must go to post now.
Much love to Father and you all.
Your loving daughter
May E Sladden
