W1B-005 Mum's letters-2.txt
Dear Ciara, As usual - it's 1 A.M. and I 'm thinking of you. I hope that you 're tucked up in your bed and fast asleep. I 've just been at my course - and as usual am asking myself why I ever bothered to do this.

There's a lot of work ahead of me - and I really have no inclination to do it.

Sarah-Jane was at lunch today with Sammy - but no doubt she 'll fill you in on all the details, so I 'll leave that to her. Jacinta is working hard at the minute, what with increased homework and practices for 'My Fair Lady' in which she is taking part in the 'Cockney Chorus', 'The Embassy Ball' and - I forget the other one.

Ger is pushing her to learn her Grade 7 scales. The exam will be in a few weeks - and I 'm afraid her scales are not up to the mark.

The clocks went back as you know on Sat. night - so winter has really set in. The nights are long and it's getting quite cold.

Aunt Gilly had a great time in Lourdes. Weather/hotel and everything was beautiful. I 'm very glad for her that she enjoyed her little 'break.' - (I 've just remembered the other chorus that Jacinta's in - 'The Ascot Chorus')

P.T.O.

Ciara - this is a very impromptu letter - more or less just to tell you we 're all thinking of you and missing you - so forgive the lack of continuity in it. I don't really have any news for you that I haven't already told you on the phone, except that Miss McInerney announced last week that she's retiring at Christmas - so that means a new principal. I don't really relish the thought of yet another new person at the top - but I suppose I 'll have to grin and bear it! - New people in key positions inevitably bring about change - and at the minute it's the last thing I want.

This weekend we 're off (so is Daddy and Phil) Monday and Tuesday for Hallowe'en, so I 'm looking forward to the break. It won't be long until Christmas and you 'll be home. I 'm looking forward to that! Daddy, myself and the McDermots are going to the Dowling's on Sat. night.

I 'm going to wind up now Ciara - as I have the lunches still to make. Belfast is a very peaceful place at the moment, thank God - there are going to be less soldiers and the streets and police are taking off their flack-jackets - so things appear optimistic at last.

Lots of Love always Mum Dad Phil J-P.
