22nd October 1942

Thursday

Woke at 5 to find heavy rain, which ceased before 7.  Sky overcast, although a few gleams of sun were coming through.  Felt very nervous.

As I came over Hythe Bridge I saw the old shunting engine, the one with cow-catchers and a bell.  I always used to be thrilled with this as a child, thinking it was exactly like an American engine.  At the bottom of Hythe Hill I saw a gipsy caravan, with three young gipsies riding in the front. 

The sky was clearing as I cycled back to Lawford, with a wild, red and yellow sunset.  There was a shower, and a wonderful rainbow appeared in the north-east.  It was glorious, giving out a radiance of its own.

Wind tonight, and leaves coming down fast.