Wednesday, May 15:
R. had a good night. Letter from my father. The cellist Grützmacher, who had volunteered his services, withdraws without giving reasons, obviously suspended by Hiller and Co.; with the oboists things are also not looking good.
Much trouble in getting things arranged; little help, since everyone is so far away. But constant delight in the beauty of the surroundings. R. thinks with emotion of the many joys which still lie ahead as the children grow up, even when they marry and have children in their turn and euthanasia comes, a gentle fading out. "That could turn one into a downright optimist!"
My father's letter conventional, like ours. He is attending the music festival in Kassel! R. goes into town with R[ichter?]; unpleasant muddles, the self-importance of Herr Riedel, who asks whether Ehrt eure deutschen Meister should not also be sung at the stone-laying ceremony, after the Wach' auf chorus.
Frau Jachmann inquires about her trunks (!), etc. R. very vexed with all the drawbacks of existence. Richter is delegated to receive everyone.