Monday, January 8, 1945

F/Lt Parker came in for late tea at Mead House, and I was so pleased to have it laid, with the toast warming on the hearth. Some friends of his in, too, playing the piano, and John sang "Rose of Tralee" with his arm around my waist. Then we talked to Michael, aged 11 - who converses like an enthusiastic undergraduate - a striking boy - such fun to see John with a child - he is a warm, gay, adult sort of person who beams at the world through his spectacles. We had a beer at the Black Horse, then back to Mead House for a rarebit. Damned good, too, and jam tart, also.

Took him to his van and asked him not to kiss me before his men. He said, "Don't be absurd!" and kissed me twice, to their admiring pleasure. Good for the morale, John is. Spent several hours and lunch with Mrs. Murray and the children. I'm tired and can't get rested - bought a beautiful brown shiny tea kettle.