June (no day given), 1837. Pg. 144 of James Bryce’s personal journal (copied from Curator’s transcription)

“Two weeks ago last Thursday my wife left here on a visit to her parents in Ohio. the first time we have been parted for many days since I first called her my own. and though I was willing. and anxious. she should go from a principle of duty. and from love to her. and to them. still I miss her much. the time hangs so heavy on my hands. at work it is least irksome. for there is employment. and that always gives at least comparative peace. under any circumstances– but when idle I feel her absence most sensibly. then memory is busy and the longing desire to see her again. become almost a painful feeling.

Mysterious (tie??) that gives being and blessedness to married life. a few short years ago. we were nothing to each other. then gradually more and more interested in. and knit to each other by trusting love. until now after more than a year of the most intimate acquaintance with each others characters. I can realize the force of the truth of the Divine ordinance that twain shall become one flesh…other relations of life are near and dear.. but in this. the fountains of hope and happiness of life itself are intermingled. the very being. the views and feelings. the hopes and prospects. the whole character in short. are blended and merged in one–and so must be to enjoy happiness for there is no greater mistake. than to suppose the mere ceremonial of marriage sufficient. or even tolerable. without the union of the heart.”

I read that while doing research for some curriculum materials I’m developing. Isn’t it lovely? It’s enough to really make me start believing again that men do feel love and aren’t just driven by testosterone, which recent events had me thinking.

I have this serious craving for broccoli. But I got about 2 hours of sleep last night (I’m far too sensitive to caffeine) and don’t trust myself to drive the hulk of a rental car I was given at the dealership today when they realized, upon finally fixing the computer glitch, that a rather important part of the car needs to be replaced. I’m hoping to go to the Farmer’s Market tomorrow after I go pick up my car. Then I can have broccoli with rigatoni and cheese sauce. And broccoli in a wrap with vegetarian chicken strips. And broccoli in pasta sauce. Please don’t tell me broccoli isn’t in season, because it has to be, I’m craving it too much :-p The Farmer’s Market I went to last time is near where I work, so I’m going to note down in my daybook each week so I remember to go after work… I imagine that living on Farmer’s Market veggies, canned soup, and pasta would be a fairly affordable diet :-p

So for now I’m hanging in there til about 8 or 9, when I can go to sleep. Oh, I did my first real baking in this house last night- made a chocolate pudding cake for my coworkers. It was well-received, albeit by the two people who ended up being there to have it! Oh well, it’ll still be good tomorrow. But I should’ve bought oil instead of butter, because then I’d have everything I need for biscuits, I think….. :-p