Dear Fran, Love Dulcie

by Victoria Twead

  Terry got a job at last, for a few weeks anyway. He helps the curator at the Yeppoon Golf Club, mows, gardens, etc. and it will probably last until the beginning of Autumn, May 1st. Nothing grows much through autumn or winter, not even grass, so I guess he wouldn’t get back on till October 30th. Anyway, he likes it and rides the bike in and out.

  He leaves home at 6 am and returns at 4 pm so there’s 3 hours of daylight left to play about. The wet season is with us, of course, but as yet we have had only 16 inches [40 cm] of rain for the year, so the roads are still all open. It is most unusual weather. Yesterday and today have been fine and hot, 100 [38℃] yesterday and 102 [39℃] today.

  Well, Fran, I must close and start some ironing (my pet hate) so do write soon.

  Love,

  Dulcie

  16th June 1976

  Dear Fran,

  Just a note to send you some of the shots we took on our 5-day show-week holiday. Len and Terry elected to stay home and mind the pets, etc. while Tom, Coral, Irene and Dad went to Shoalwater Bay in the Rover. I went first on the motorbike (so they could pick me up when they found me in the mud!). Mum had her brother staying with her so she did not go either.

  The shot from the mountain on Dad’s place, Terry took when he and some of his mates rode and climbed it for fun. Gives a rather good picture of the country and I’ve tried to map it out for you. We camped at the bay and had a good time. Tom climbed Army Mu. with some army fellows and took the shot looking back towards our place. (Love the shot of me and my dad!)

  [Unfortunately, these photos are lost and Terry and the family have doubts about the Shoalwater Bay location. However, Terry says, “The whole family used to go fishing and camping at a place called Fishing Creek north of Yeppoon. Dad’s uncle owned the surrounding area and we had a great time, and I still have a laugh when I think of my grandfather who never would wear shoes and would stand on the only cactus in the camp area.”]

  Since then Tom has launched his boat so we may be able to fish in style now. In the paper cutting the name is spelled wrongly. It should be Corene, named for Coral and Irene. Tom is standing beside the mast. Coral’s brother, Ray, is walking along the side and our cousin, Tom Holland, was cut out of the picture. Brother Tom worked on it in his spare time. It is made of marine ply, coated all over with fiberglass, which stops barnacles or wood worms or something.

  Haven’t heard from you since the wedding, Fran. Do hope everything went well and trust they will find the happiness that we have. Perhaps it is harder these days. The young ones need money to buy happiness, I feel, or is it that things are so bad that there is nothing free anymore?

  Our fishing trip was so wonderful, cost nothing more than fuel to get there. We camped on the beach, cooked on the coals and the only tracks on the beach were our Rover’s and our own feet. But I guess this is something we take for granted. In so many countries there is not the space and quite often people want too many facilities and of course these cost money.

  Well, Fran, I am having problems here watching an engine that is a bit “sick” pump water, trying to write while a joey wallaby crawls over me wanting its bottle. Must away and finish today as Terry will be going to Yeppoon on his way to work tomorrow and will post this for me.

  Love to all,

  Dulcie

  27th August 1976

  Dear Fran,

  Happy birthday. Sorry I’ve been so long answering your June letter. Thank you so much for the wedding photos. They do look lovely. The bride is very attractive.

  Funny thing, I was watching a John Denver show on TV the other night. Rick reminds me of him. The film was probably ancient for it to be televised here. It was called John Denver Rocky Mountain High. The scenes of the countryside were so beautiful. Guess we’ve been led to believe that USA was just a country of big cities but this film just showed how wrong that idea is. Would I be right in saying the Rocky Mountains are in Colorado? If so, there is a whole lot of lovely space there. Strange thing though, there weren’t any animals roaming about. Maybe the TV crews scared them.

  Winter has been long, dry and the coldest for 7 years. For the first time in my life the temp has been 32 F [0ºC] inside the kitchen, even with the fire burning all night. (7 years, I’d say more like 70!) My garden is an utter wreck. Poor old trees are not used to such frost and it will take a while for them to recover.

  These pictures I took in May and hoped to follow up with some winter flowering ones. But they’ve had it. Still, if they recover enough for spring, I’ll send some more. About the amount of land we have Fran, only 15,000 acres [6070 hectares] plus the 500-acres [202 hectares] VFL land we took up on a 909 year lease. It is a forestry reserve and one day I hope to have it proclaimed a national park.

  I’ve had a cold for a month or more but it’s starting to clear off now. Marvellous things for anyone who wants to lose weight! Speaking of weight Fran, you always said you were overweight. But in the wedding pic you looked really beautiful. Just right and your gown I really adore. Fits and folds beautifully. What type of material is it, Fran? Whatever type you should use it often for clothes as it suits you to a “T”.

  Well, I must close Fran. Our tax returns should have been completed on June 30th and I haven’t even started them yet. Applied for an exemption to 30th August so I’ll be making a mad dash at them for 3 days.

  Do write soon, and love,

  Dulcie

  10th March 1977

  Dear Fran,

  Forgive me for not writing before. We did receive your parcel and enjoyed the eats, reading and the lovely booze! (Most of all the pretty commemorative plate.)

  We had been following the winter US scene on TV. It was really awful. We kept watching for scenes of Michigan but didn’t see any. Just as well or I would have imagined I’d seen you in every picture.

  The world’s weather is crazy for some reason. We had a lousy summer, with bad storms all through and, worst of all, the cyclones. One came while Len and Terry were holidaying about Christmas. One in February and the most recent 5 days ago.

  As one neighbour said, he felt like leaving here and telling the world this must be the worst place to live. It is heart-breaking.

  During the last two cyclones, Len had gone back to work and Terry wasn’t able to get home because of flooded creeks. I never mind being alone but the wind howled and it rained and this last one left 14 inches [36 cm] overnight. Part of the roof of the house blew off and everything got wet. Even the beds were saturated.

  When daylight came there was a mess of smashed trees in the garden, roofing iron, and my animals were trying to shelter under the house with 18 inches [46 cm] of water running beneath. Poor little things looked like water rats when I rescued them. But two wallabies were dead.

  Sheds were battered and flooded and stores ruined. Fences are wrecked. I’ve been repairing them and rounding up cattle.

  The power plant engine is wrecked. Water poured through the machinery shed and the engine’s fly wheel whipped up the water and threw it into the air-cleaner and alternator. Burnt out the alternator and broke the crank shaft of the engine. Haven’t got to fixing that yet. Guess it’s not really important and I still have a kerosene lamp.

  Terry crossed the creeks on his trail bike yesterday. Haven’t seen or heard of him since the cyclone. He brought two loaves of bread with him, wrapped in plastic bags. I could have cried with joy. Funny, I don’t know if it was because I knew Terry was okay or if it was because of the bread.

  The telephones are still out. They were out for three weeks after the last cyclone so I guess we won’t be able to phone anywhere for a while yet.

  With due respect to motorbikes, they can be replaced by horses when roads are boggy and trees are blown down everywhere. Poor old “Nightmare” carried me around to see if relatives and friends were all okay. Sometimes we would meet others along the track coming to see if I was okay.

  But riding to Yeppoon is a two-day trip for a horse. Now Terry is back, he can collect the m
ail and news, etc. as he goes to work.

  The rain has eased to a drizzle today so we hope for some fine weather. We will sure need it to clean up and repair. Maybe I’m getting old but I feel like throwing the lot.

  Maybe I’ll fix the light-plant later. Marvellous what light will do to cheer one up. This old kerosine light is about ¼ candle power and I can’t see with it anyway. I don’t know why I waste a match lighting it.

  Terry has the right idea, he jumps into bed and listens to his trannie [transistor radio].

  Ah Fran, I’ll write again when things are better.

  Lots of love,

  Dulcie

  20th July 1977

  Dear Fran,

  As usual I’m way behind time with a letter. Thank you for remembering my birthday! Yikes, it is a long time since I’ve written to you.

  Winter has been quite severe this time. The coldest has been 1℃ (forgotten what 1 degree would equal in the old Fahrenheit) but there’s been more frost than I’ve seen for about 7 or 8 years.

  Water is a problem at the house this time. The cattle bores and dams are holding out good though. Strange how these things take it in turns. So now I’m carting water for domestic supply. At least it is not as much as the stock would take.

  Have finished Terry’s income tax and almost through Len’s and mine. I really hate tax, or maybe not so much the work itself, but staying inside to do the boring stuff.

  Terry, June 1977

  My garden looks a real wreck. The lawn and a lot of shrubs and trees are frosted black. Some look like dead sticks and a flower is hard to find. Except inside where I have some beautiful Cattleya Orchids in full bloom. I moved the pots into the living room before the coldest nights set in and they have done really well. Maybe they like human company.

  Division 3 of the Shire, which includes us, have been trying to get town electricity. We have had a number of meetings with the power authorities and now we seem to be agreeable at last! Power will cost us $10,500 cash for a line to our property and a guarantee of $558 each year for 30 years. I’m not too sure if Len or I will be here that long but the guarantee applies to the property (not the owners). And if it is sold or left to anyone after we have gone, this price still goes on until 30 years are up.

  It is a bit expensive but our engine has about had it and a new one will cost $7000. They have a life of about 15 years before they become as unreliable as the old one we have now. It is not working again and I’ve got tired of fixing it! I’ve had a week of breaking things, my chainsaw, the Valiant, one motorbike - I wonder what’s next?

  Anyway I’ll have to go and do a bit more work. I have a panel of yard to repair that a bull smashed last week. And then a bullock to get in for killing tomorrow as we are out of beef.

  Trust you are all well and write soon.

  Love,

  Dulcie

  Postcard

  Happy Birthday

  Dreadful business, Dick being ill. He must slow down with the work and go fishing more often. Less work means less money of course but you’ll manage, Fran. Marvellous how you coped with everything without Dick and the worry as well. Do hope everything is well now.

  Winter is about over thank goodness. The nights are still cold but the days are lovely, 88 [31℃] today. Yippee, warm at last! Even the trees are sprouting leaves but it is dry, very dry, and there’s been some fires about. All fire breaks are done so I hope we will be okay. Getting the garden beds prepared. I must have flowers and vegetables.

  Well, Fran, have to go. Do let me know how Dick is and hope everything is fine.

  Love,

  Dulcie

  25th October 1977

  Dear Fran,

  Just a hurried letter but so pleased to know that Dick is much better.

  Your summer is over and ours has just started. In Queensland we actually have only two seasons, winter and summer. This year is extremely dry, after the heavy winter. Surprisingly though, water is holding out well but the pasture is scarce.

  Since cattle are not worth the freight to market, I’m not feeding them this time. I just shoot those that are too thin to make it through. Mostly cows with baby calves. Better to shoot both before the mother dies and leaves the calf for dingos to kill.

  I have been very busy taking all the engines from the bores and dams and putting up [wind]mills. Have 4 up and one to go. Gee, they look good spinning in the wind and pumping water. They will save a tremendous amount of time. No more driving around starting (and fixing!) dirty old diesel engines.

  The mills pump continuously with the wind and cost nothing to run. Have just finished putting one on our house water supply and have water running all over the garden and lawn.

  My garden looks beautiful, flowers of all kinds and colours everywhere.

  Will be a great saving in the long term. No fuel, no repairs, no time wasted on engines. Beats me why we ever went off windmills.

  [Photo of garden showing windmill]

  The mills cost $1900 each but last for approximately 30 years before repairs to the heads are needed. Guess I won’t be climbing up them then. Guess I’ve had some great muscle building exercises, climbing up and down 4 towers, all 25 feet [7.6 metres] high, for weeks! Dad helped a lot with anything at ground level, but he is a bit too old to climb like a monkey.

  Sometimes, when up at the top of the towers, with a strong wind blowing and trying to bolt on the fans, I wished I had a tail. Apart from having a clean up without engines, we also got rid of our old cars.

  Len bought a Falcon and I bought another Holden. I traded my old Valiant and Len gave his old Holden to Terry for a shooting bomb. First thing Terry did was to tear off the doors and knock out the windscreen so he could shoot straight through! Looks terrific!

  Now I’ll have lots of spare time to do things I’ve always wanted to do. Maybe I’ll start to finish the house first. That is after I’ve got my vegetable garden finished.

  Did I tell you before that the German people who used to swap veggies for beef, no longer grow much as the husband had a heart attack and is receiving a pension now. They are very nice people and I still supply them with beef. But I can’t expect the old lady to grow veggies for me. She is not well either.

  I must ask, Fran, if you have already sent a Christmas parcel. If not, I wonder do you think we might pass them up now? The postage is so high it’s hardly worth it anymore. Maybe sometimes I might find something really worthwhile to send over to you but unless it’s really one good item then I don’t think I’ll make it every Christmas.

  If you would like me to continue our usual parcel, please say so, Fran. But with Dick not so well I wonder should we be extravagant for this year, anyway. Please don’t be hurt about my suggestion, Fran. Let me know your wishes.

  Well, I must go as Terry will be home soon, looking for something to eat.

  Lots of love, and hope everything is well in your corner of the world.

  Dulcie

  13th December 1977

  Dear Fran,

  Good to hear from you again. Wish I could send you some of our lovely warm weather. Watched a Saturday report on TV last night. Cleveland, Ohio, buried in snow and the wind was blowing people over on the streets. Gee, I hate winter but our winters are not that bad! Amazing how anyone or animals, birds and such, survive.

  Does the cold kill people at all, Fran? Summer has settled in well here. Around 100 [38℃] most days but cools off to mid 70’s [25℃] at night. We’ve had some good storms. The first couple brought 7 inches [18 cm] of rain and I just about cried with joy. The grass is all lovely and green again and what’s left of the cattle, etc. can at last have full stomachs.

  Len brought my brother Brian’s twins down last weekend. They are staying for Christmas. They are 12 now and Tom’s little girl, Irene, is 5 and ½. Tom and Coral live only a few miles [3km] away so I’m teaching the twins to ride the little 175cc trail bike so they can double over for visits.

  Since Brian moved to town with them, at the age of
3, they haven’t had any chance to drive or ride and are really quite dumb when it comes to doing anything here. It’s unheard of for a child any older than 8 not to be capable of driving a tractor, car, or anything else in this part of the country. Still they are learning fast after a few “wipe outs”.

  We are planning a pre-Christmas barbecue about the 21st, since Len doesn’t come home till then, and we always have a Christmas tree too! But I don’t bother with an inside one, we just trim one of the pine trees growing outside. Only trouble is, every year they get higher and higher and this year I don’t think we will have the star on top.

  I planted 3 new ones last year, thinking we would use them, but the boys insist on the larger one. Glad it’s the young ones who climb the ladder!

  Well, Fran, I must away. Merry Christmas to you all and a very happy New Year.

  Love,

  Dulcie

  20th February 1978

  Dear Fran,

  Someone’s taken off with all the writing paper so this will just have to be brief.

  You sure have been tucking into the goodies! Gadding about to restaurants, I really envy you.

  Last Sunday and we killed and cut up and I went with Mum and Dad to a hotel. (Wonder if I should tell Len!) The hotels are allowed to open from 4 pm to 6 pm and such a hot day as well. We enjoyed a cold beer and bought a ticket in a raffle. Guess what! I won and wouldn’t you just know it the prize was a tray of steak. Yuk! After cutting meat up all day!