Chapter 6. From the Journal of Fortinbras Took, S.R. 1158

14 August

You say you are tired of reading menu lists, Grandfa, and that my writing shows a certain lack of imagination on my part. I assure you, Sir, of a great deal of imagination. It takes imagination to pull carrots from the ground for hours on end without a grumble.

Or perhaps it does not, when I think twice upon the matter.

But why does Uncle Isembold drive us from dawn to nooning with such a grim face?

It used to be we'd do our lessons in the morning and work in the fields for an hour or two before tea, because a gentlehobbit's hands won't fall off if dirtied with honest work, or so you say.

But now we must work half the day and take our lessons after nooning, tired and aching, and have time to ourselves only after teatime when it is much too hot to do anything of interest.

I am not grumbling. Uncle Isembold says that grumbling is not productive.

But I have produced two pages for your reading pleasure now, Grandfa, and only barest mention of food.