"Arrived on a morning of marvellous brilliancy and not a breath of wind stirring. The St. Lawrence looked like a sheet of blue glass. Temp 52 at 6.30. Had early tea in the sun on front verendah. Gardens looking wonderful and a record year for things wintering. As far as can be judged so early the only winterkill is in violas." Elsie Reford Diary, May 20th 1941